House Groups
THE STATE OF THE AMERICAN CHURCH
The United States of America is Now the Fourth Largest Mission Field in the World
256 million persons live in the USA
40% have either no religious background or belong to a non-Christian religion
60% of Americans have their names on the rolls of one of the three main Christian
religions, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox or one of the protestant religious groups
Of the 60% of Americans who claim Christian affiliation less than half attend church on
even an infrequent basis
The best estimates we can come to is that 175 million Americans are either unreached or
unchurched
This mass of unreached people is the fourth largest in the world confined to one country
In the United States Eighty-five Percent of Churches are Either Plateaued or in Decline
50% of churches in the previous twelve months did not record a single adult conversion
90% of churches stop growing by their fifteenth birthday and for the life of the church are
never larger
America is a Country of Small Churches
25% of churches have less than thirty people
25% of churches have 31‑75 people
25% of churches have 76‑140 people
20%of churches have 141‑350 people
4% of churches have 351‑800 people
1% of churches have more than 800 people
These numbers reflect the average number of persons in worship during the main worship service of the week
There are approximately 450,000 churches in America, or one church for every 786 people. This is down from 1:400 people in 1920. Since the end of the second world war till the present, America has changed from a predominantly Christian country to a humanistic, secular mission field.
There are Two Predominate Models of Church Life in the Western World, and in America in Specific
The personality based church:
In this model of church life what can be accomplished is normally determined by the skill, personality, vision, and charisma of the leader. Many of the larger churches in the country, as well as many smaller churches, find this to be the major growth restrictor.
The program based church:
In this model of church life the upper limits of what can be accomplished is determined by both the number of volunteers who can be recruited and sustained, and the scope and variety of programs that can offered.
Based on the empirical data regarding the state of the church in America it is clear that not only are we a mission field but the very way we have traditionally "done church" is failing.
There is a different model of church life that God is using both in the USA and overseas to increase his church, while at the same time see his children nurtured and cared for. It is called the Cell Based Model. If the cell based model was simply a passing fad in the seemingly endless parade of church growth methodologies one would give it little more than a curious look. However, when the issue is examined more closely we find the roots of the cell based church throughout scripture. It is my personal belief God is raising up cell based churches to enable us to both reach our generation with the gospel, and at the same time see that those who are reached are cared for and nurtured in their faith.
As of January 1994, Faith Community Church has a total attendance, over a typical weekend, of approximately 3,000 persons, with a constituency size approximately one thousand larger than the average attendance. The number of people who have no glue other than frequent or infrequent attendance at one of the primary worship experiences is between 2,200-2,500. It is Faith Community's vision that through the development of hundreds of home based care groups, not only will the uninvolved become committed to Faith, but that through our joint ministry every one of them will become all that God has created them capable of becoming.
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
MODULE I
THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS of a CELL BASED CHURCH
I. The Exodus 18 Experience
Jethro's cause for rejoicing the people's redemption
verse 9
Jethro's cause for concern the people's lack of care and the burn out of the leader
verse 17
Jethro's solution
For Moses:
(1) make prayer for the people a priority
(2) Teach the principles of the Word of God verbally and by example
(3) Share the vision of God's purpose with the people
(4) Select and train leaders for the care of the people
(5) Be available to handle and help with the macro issues
For the people:
(1) recognize the leader's role is not determined by your need but by God's plan
(2) Recognize the primary means of care comes from within the Body
(3) Reduce your clergy dependency
(4) Become part of a small group
II. The God Most High, God Most Nigh of Isaiah 57:15
For this is what the high and lofty One says he who lives forever, whose name is holy: I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.
The God most high:
He is transcendent
He is above us
He is beyond us
He is eternal
He is the King
He is sovereign
He is holy
The God most nigh:
He is imminent
He is among us
He is with us
He endures for us
He dwells in us
He is our friend
III. The Two Structures of God's Redemptive Mission from Acts
Acts 2:46
In the temple
Breaking bread from house to house
Acts 5:42
Daily in the temple courts
Meeting from house to house
Acts 20:20
Taught publicly
Taught from house to house
Note, in all three of these passages there is no hint that the church gathered in celebration was more important than the church scattered in homes for caring and ministry. Both were essential ingredients. They have been described as the two wings of a bird. Unless both are utilized we will never soar to the heights the Master Creator of the Church intended.
IV. The One Another Statements of Scripture
(1) Love one another
John 13:34, 13:35, 15:12, 15:17; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:9;
1 John 3:11, 3:23, 4:7, 4:11, 4:12; 2 John 5
(2) Be at peace with each other
Mark 9:50
(3) Wash one another's feet
John 13:14
(4) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
Romans 12:10
(5) Honor one another above yourselves
Romans 12:10
(6) Live in harmony with one another
Romans 12:16
(7) Stop passing judgment on one another
Romans 14:13
(8) Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you
Romans 15:7
(9) Instruct one another
Romans 15:14
(10) Greet one another with a holy kiss
Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14
(11) Serve one another in love
Galatians 5:13
(12) If you keep on biting and devouring each other, . . . you will be destroyed by each other
Galatians 5:15
(13) Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other
Galatians 5:26
(14) Carry each other's burdens, . . . and fulfill the law of Christ
Galatians 6:2
(15) Be patient, bearing with one another in love
Ephesians 4:2
(16) Be kind and compassionate to one another
Ephesians 4:32
(17) Forgiving each other
Ephesians 4:32
(18) Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
Ephesians 5:19
(19) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ
Ephesians 5:21
(20) In humility consider others better than yourselves
Philippians 2:3
(21) Do not lie to each other
Colossians 3:9
(22) Bear with each other
Colossians 3:13
(23) Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another
Colossians 3:13
(24) Teach . . . one another
Colossians 3:16
(25) Admonish one another
Colossians 3:16
(26) Make your love increase and overflow for each other
1 Thessalonians 3:12
(27) Encourage each other
1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11; Hebrews 10:25
(28) Build each other up
1 Thessalonians 5:11
(29) Encourage one another daily
Hebrews 3:13
(30) Spur one another on toward love and good deeds
Hebrews 10:24
(31) Do not slander one another
James 4:11
(32) Do not grumble against each other
James 5:9
(33) Confess your sins to one another
James 5:16
(34) Pray for each other
James 5:16
(35) Love one another deeply from the heart
1 Peter 1:22, 4:8
(36) Live in harmony with one another
1 Peter 3:8
(37) Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling
1 Peter 4:9
(38) Each one of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others
1 Peter 4:10
(39) Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another
1 Peter 5:5
It is the clear enunciation of these and many other like passages that form the basis of our Care group ministry. It is interesting to note that to fulfill the majority of these commands participation in a small group would be absolutely essential. Very few of these commands can be given much more than mental assent without this type of small group life.
V. Use of the Word "Church"
There are three primary ways the term "church" is used in scripture:
(1) To refer to all believers of all races, locations, and times in history
Example: Jesus said, . . . I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18
(2) To refer to the believers who gathered in a regional area as a larger community
Example: The church of God which is in Corinth
1 Corinthians 1:2
(3) A cell group of Christians who met in a home
Example: Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus.. . . Greet also the church that meets at their house.
Romans 16:3-5
While no term usage should be discounted or disregarded even a casual reading of scripture it shows every believer was connected with other believers in the context of a cell which met in a home, and it was the most common form of the church found in the New Testament.
It is also interesting to note: the church in China has grown from three to five million persons in 1950 to approximately seventy-five million today without the benefit of the large group gathering. It met in house churches.
When the Acts of the Apostle records that the number of churches increased daily (Acts 16:5) the reference was to the number of cell groups that met in homes. When Saul began to persecute the church to destroy it his target was the home cells
(Acts 8:3).
This is not an exhaustive treatment of every single reference, either biblically or
historically, related to caring ministry or care groups as a specific strategy. There are, however, a number of clear conclusions we need to draw:
(1) Every believer needs to be part of a cell, and needs to have some one to go to for care and some place they can go to for care
(2) The most productive environment for personal growth is found in a caring cell
(3) The development of healthy cells is the most productive way to reach our generation with the gospel
(4) The discovery, development, and deployment of care cell leaders is the essential ingredient for implementing both a caring and a growth strategy
(5) As growing churches around the world have proved there is no strategy as productive as biblical strategy. Therefore, the development of the caring cells must be seen as an integral part of the will of God for us, and developing of these cells is an integral part of our obedience to the word of God.
(6) If the people of Faith Community Church are going to be faithful to our mission to creatively nurture people to love God and share his love, the development of these caring cells is an essential component
(7) We cannot, as a church, be big enough to make an impact and small enough to care without the development of the caring cells.
THE NEW TESTAMENT and TODAY'S CHURCH
A Study in Contrasts
The Church of Today The New Testament Church
| Meets in Church Buildings | LOCATION | Moves from House to House |
| Large Groups | SIZE of GROUPS | Small, Intimate Groups |
| Weekly Worship Services, Programs and Activities | ACTIVITIES | Frequent Fellowship, Weekly Worship Services |
| Dependent On the Pastor(s) | SUPPORT SYSTEM | Building Up One Another |
| Often Superficial | RELATIONSHIPS | Intimate, Helping One Another, Accountability |
| Teaching, Little Modeling, Program Dependent | DISCIPLING | Interaction, Modeling, Personal Values Shaped |
| Administration of Programs and Do The Ministry | PRIMARY TASK of LEADERS | Every Believer Equipped to Do the Work of Ministry |
| Individual Choice; Limited | PRAYER LIFE | Heavy Emphasis, Integrated Into All Facets of Church Life |
| Preach and Do Ministry | PASTOR'S DUTY | Model the Life of a Believer, Equip Others for Ministry |
| Attendance; Giving; Work in the Programs | EXPECTATIONS of MEMBERS | Ministering to Others, Servanthood and Stewardship |
| "Come Grow With Us" | KEY WORDS | "Go and Make Disciples" |
| Knowledge of Scriptures | TEACHINGS | Application of Scriptures to Life |
| Confined To a Few, Often "Hit and Miss" | SPIRITUAL GIFTS | Exercised by All Believers to Build Up Others in the Cell Group Gatherings |
| "What You Know" Number of Attenders/Activity | BASIS of EVALUATION | "How You Serve", Number of People Using Their Gifts in Ministry Results |
| Trained, Professional Clergy Brought In From the Outside | RESOURCE for RECRUITING STAFF | Servant Workers Developed Within; Tested Before They are Set Apart for Ministry |
The above chart was adapted by R. Orr from an original comparison developed by Ralph Neighbour in his book Where Do We Go From Here?
The following is an excerpt from Where Do We Go From Here? by Ralph Neighbour, Jr. and has some helpful supplemental material regarding biblical foundations.
THE EARLY CHURCH
In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle and the Temple were both referred to as the house of God (cf. I Chronicles 6:48, 25:6; Ezra 5:2, 15). In the New Testament, the concept of house of God radically changes. Peter sees believers as living stones that are being built up as a spiritual house (Peter 2:5). Thus, the house of God is no longer seen as an edifice made by joining stones, but by joining human lives. Further, the builder of the house is Jesus himself, who said in Matthew 16:18, I will build my church. This construction is not to be the work of skilled specialists as was the case in the erection of the Tabernacle. The Lord himself is to become the builder. The stones he will select for the walls are called ecclesia, called out ones, also translated church.
The Foundation of the Church is Christ; The Walls are Formed From the Living Stones
A significant word appears in Jesus' teaching. The Greek word for build used in
Matthew 16:18 is oikodomeo. It is frequently used as a verb to describe the construction of an edifice (Matthew 23:29, 26:61), or, used as a noun, as the building itself (Matthew 24:1). However, it refers most often to construction using material called living stones. In
1 Corinthians 3:9 Paul says, . . . you are . . . God's building. In Acts 20:32 Paul uses the verb form to say God is the one who can build you up . . .. Ephesians 2:21 tells us in Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. Hebrews 3:6 says, But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house, and we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
As we shall see, oikodomeo also describes the main work of the living stones themselves. Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing
(1 Thessalonians 5:11 ). From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work (Ephesians 4:12).
It is obvious that Jesus intended to be the builder of the church, but just as obvious that the living stones were to be empowered by him to share in the building up, or edifying, of all nearby stones. Consider the lifestyle of such a church: a tight relationship exists between every living stone and each contiguous stone. United by the cement of love, the stones know the life of Christ flowing his grace‑gifts into them, empowering them to continually build up one another.
THE CHURCH IS A BODY, CHRIST IS THE HEAD
Another picture of the church likens it to a human body. Christ now becomes the head, the ecclesia. The Holy Spirit immerses each believer into the body, properly connected at conversion as a working, functional member. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:14-19 that the unity of this body is such that one body part never says, I have no need of you to another member. As the hand and foot and stomach must interact, even so the members of the body of Christ must live in intimacy. The members are united into a whole. There is freedom from diversity, a oneness of mind or feeling, exactly like that of a human body. Once again, the concept of bodily parts being responsible for build up (oikodomeo) one another becomes the focus of their lifestyle (Ephesians 4:15-16).
The Greek word, katartizo, used in Mark 1:19 for mending nets is translated equipping in Ephesians 4:12: each body member is to participate in helping other body members be repaired for service. In Galatians 6:1 the spiritual ones are again described as mending other body parts that are damaged, restoring them for ministry.
In a study of the early church, one observes this is theory which was put into practice without a great amount of instruction. Paul describes the mutual building up of believers in
1 Corinthians 14. His order is for every single Christian to use spiritual gifts for the purpose of building up the church. He scoffs at the idea of using spiritual gifts for personal enjoyment. The word oikodomeo appears six times in his teaching (verses 3, 4, 5, 12, 17, 26) as he bears down on the fact that each one (absolutely no exceptions) is to participate in the ministry of building the body: When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification (building up). The word for "each one" used here does not mean, "each one of you who desires to enter into ministry", but "every single person in the group is to be a participant in the building up". Neither spiritual nor physical youthfulness are to be reasons for exempting Christians from participating. All are to exercise spiritual gifts; to edify the others.
The early church did exactly that! Recognizing there cannot be total participation by every member when the gatherings are only made up of large, impersonal groups, the people of God moved from house to house in small groups. By moving among their residences, they became intimately acquainted with each person's surroundings.
Excavations in Jerusalem reflect that only the wealthy had homes with second floor "upper rooms." For the rest, residences would usually not accommodate more than ten to twelve persons. Meeting in small cells without seasoned leaders these groups built up one another through mutual ministries.
These house churches functioned from their inception as the nucleus of the Christian community. The Lord of the Church intended it to be that way; if he had desired otherwise, he could have shaped its lifestyle differently. There were many organizations in his culture
that assembled members into halls or specially constructed auditoriums. Guilds had their
own edifices. Synagogues had dotted the countryside for generations, gathering members into impersonal large groups. Pagan temples were also common. Nevertheless, Jesus shaped the Church to meet in homes. His own disciples were gathered together with him in a home setting when he served them their last supper together.
THE HOME MINISTRY OF JESUS
It is significant that in Jesus' ministry he operated out of homes, not formal buildings. He often taught his disciples in houses (Mark 2:1, 7:14‑27, 9:33, 10:2‑12; Matthew 13:36). We frequently see him in the homes of others, including Peter, Matthew, a ruler, Simon the leper, Simon and Andrew, Levi, a Pharisee, Jarius, Zacchaeus, and Martha. He referred to the owner of a large home in Jerusalem who would consider his upper room Jesus' "guest room" (Mark 14:14).
While the Son of Man had no place to lay his head, at the same time he taught in
Mark 10:29-30 that, . . .no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields . . ..
His itinerant servants took this literally. They lived with families in homes wherever they went. In fact, living in a home was a prime strategy for bringing people to personal faith. In Luke 10, Jesus assigned the seventy disciples to go to Perea to enter homes, offering peace to all who lived within. When they found a man of peace (one desiring to find peace), they remained in that home, eating and drinking whatever was set before them. In this way a household would be converted to Christ and another house church would be formed.
Peter's vision came at the house of Simon in Joppa. It was in the house of Mary, the mother of John, that Christians gathered to pray. Paul's conversion took place in the house of Judas, as Ananias prayed with him. We see him staying in homes wherever he served, including the house of Jason who, as host, had to pay his bail when he was jailed. He lived in the house of Lydia after her household had been converted, and ate in the jailer's house after his whole family had come to believe in God. There are many more who hosted the apostle, including Titus Judas, Crispus, Philip, Gaius, Aquila, and Priscilla.
There is a very important reason for the early church to be shaped in homes. It is in this location values are shared. It may be possible to transmit information in a neutral building, but few values are implanted there. Value systems are ingrained through living together in a household. Something stirs deep within when life is shared between the young and old, the strong and the weak, the wise and the foolish. In the house groups, all participated, and all were impacted by the values of the others as Christ lived within them.
THE IMPACT OF HOUSE GROUPS
The lifestyle of the first Christians meeting in house groups was so powerful that daily conversions took place. The total involvement of Christians in house groups overwhelmed outsiders: But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all; he is so called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you (1 Corinthians 14:24-25). This may be termed "body life evangelism". The simple witness of the life of Jesus, observed as it flowed in his body with power and reality, caused the most hardened skeptics to confess him as their Lord.
In that early church, there were no specialists. Apart from the teachings of the apostles, leadership was not emphasized to any great extent. Details were handled by those who were closest at hand as needs arose.
Our Lord knows there are two factors in spiritual growth. One is receiving his power; the other is becoming the channel of it. Maturity only occurs when both are experienced. The greatest men and women among the house churches were those who served, not those who led.
Every household had a father, a man respected and obeyed. At the same time, a good father would encourage the development of all within the household. He would not be a tyrant in it. Only at the end of the New Testament era do we find a house church with a petty dictator, and he is soundly rebuked by John (3 John 9-11). The domination of one person over others limits the possibility of growth. This was not permitted in the early church. It is important to realize cults universally control their members while the true body of Christ desires to see each member grow into wholeness of life.
The house groups were not independent from one another. They networked together from the first hour of their existence. This city-wide federation shows the "house churches" combined to form a "local church". Paul twice refers to the church of God which is in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 1:1), indicating a general relationship existed between all the believers there. Again, he speaks of the church of the Thessalonians
(1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1). He also refers to the whole church in
Romans 16:23.
In 1 Corinthians 11, the city‑wide gathering of the house groups for the Love Feast created a scandal of lovelessness. In Acts 20:6-12 Paul's visit to Troas occasioned a gathering of all the house groups to break bread and hear the apostle teach them.
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
Leadership Training
MODULE TWO
THE ROLE OF PRAYER IN SMALL GROUPS
What is Prayer?
Prayer is dialogue between two people who love each other. It involves speaking to God from one's heart and listening to God speak in one's heart through the words of others.
Why Pray?
Prayer is the foundation of all communication between God and his people.
I. I John 5:14-15
And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask (for one's self) anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know we have the requests which we have asked from him i.e. the way we receive from God is by asking. Asking is communication, or prayer.
James 4:2 You have not because you ask not.
II. God has decided that mankind must acknowledge him, believe on his son, Jesus, and then ask, by speaking or communicating, in order to receive their needs. If we refuse to do it his way we will receive nothing.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
verse 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
verse 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;
III. Prayer requires of us:
A. Purity of heart
Psalms 66:18-20
verse 18 If I regard sin (allow wickedness to remain) in my heart the Lord will not hear
verse 19 but certainly God has heard; he has given heed to the voice of my prayer.
verse 20 Blessed be God who has not turned away my prayer, nor his loving kindness from me!
B. Unity of the believers
Matthew 18:19-20
verse 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you shall bind (forbid) on earth shall be bound (forbidden) in heaven. (The heights above, in the spiritual realms) i.e. Satan cannot continue to do that which a born-again, spirit-filled believer has forbidden him to do. And, whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed . . . (to set free anything tied or fastened. To open any door that has been shut. To loose one who has been bound. To release from bondage and set free).
verse 19 Again, I say to you, if any two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in heaven.
C. We must work only in the name of Christ Jesus
John 14:12-14 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do he shall do also; and greater (things that are more extraordinary, more wonderful) works, (of sundry signal or attention getting acts of Christ, to rouse men to believe in him and to accomplish their salvation) than these shall he do; because I go to the Father.
verse 13 And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
verse 14 If you ask me anything in my name I will do it.
D. Forgiving spirit
Matthew 6:14-15
verse 14 For if you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
verse 15 But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
E. Confident expectation
Mark 11:23-24
verse 23 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain (to move mountains i.e. to accomplish the most difficult, stupendous, incredible things)
. . . Be taken up and cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him.
verse 24 Therefore, I say to you all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have (past tense) received them, and they shall be granted you.
This does not mean we always see an immediate answer in the physical realm. Sometimes we must be patient and stand in faith.
Expectations of answered prayer are directly linked to the next two verses
which is a parallel passage to Matthew 6:14-15. If we expect God to answer our prayers we must walk in, and model obedience to those who God puts under our care. We must forgive others before we can ask and receive from the Father.
F. Unceasingly
I Thessalonians 5:17
Under the paragraph title of "Christian conduct" there is a list of encouragements to believers. One of these is to pray without ceasing (communicate with your heavenly father without intermission, incessantly, assiduously). Always keep your heart and mind stayed on Him.
G. Study helps
Some hindrances to prayer, or why don't I get answers when I pray?
Sin
Psalms 66:18
Selfishness
James 4:3
Doubt
James 1:5-7
Disobedience
Proverbs 28:9
Inhumanity
Proverbs 21:13
Pride
Luke 18:11-12, 14
We must know how, and why we pray. It is bottom line Christianity. All we are, and have, is dependent on God. Our entire life hangs on him and on his will. If we do not communicate, or do not know how to communicate with him ourself, how can we possibly train others to pray, to communicate with the Father? We must have, or develop a good foundation of prayer, for ourselves, as a couple, as leaders, and as shepherds. This is our covering, our protection, our provision. It must be second nature to us. We must model a life of prayer for our people. It must be a main part of what our apprentices see in us, and desire for themselves. When people see prayers being answered they will pray.
If there is an area of your prayer life that needs strengthening or encouragement please let us know so we can get together with you. This is a key area and very vital to the success and growth of our cell groups. Everything else grows from a foundation of prayer.
The youngest of Christians can see dramatic responses if they are taught how to pray as soon as they receive Christ. This, in turn, brings encouragement and builds their faith.
DEVELOPING THE PRAYER LIFE OF A CELL GROUP
Prayer is a Dialogue
A. Between God and man, man and God
(1) Directly to/from God as an individual
(2) Through prayers of others in group
B. Primary purposes of group prayer
(1) Provide opportunities to pray together
(2) Each person will realize the presence of Christ in a personal way
C. Key principles in group prayer
(1) Limit time for prayer requests
(2) Use conversational tones in audible prayer
a. frank
b. direct, to the point
c. simple
d. brief
(3) The leader's modeling of conversational prayer is pivotal
(4) Cultivate a consciousness of God's presence
a. all prayers directed towards God
b. comment on the presence of the Holy Spirit, even if they do not
"feel" him
(5) Be brief
a. we are heard on the basis of faith
Matthew 17:20
Hebrews 11:6
not on the basis of many words
(6) One topic, one person at a time
a. one person prays for a need at a time, "remaining" on the same topic
(7) Agreement in prayer
a. one person prays as the others agree silently, or with short responses,
Yes Lord, I agree Lord. There is much power in this prayer of agreement.
Matthew 18:19
(8) Be spontaneous
a. do not use ritualistic, memorized prayers
b. God is the God of the here and now, and he understand our infirmities
Matthew 4:15
(9) Allow for silence
a. be still and know that I am God
b. encourage people to rest in the silence of God
silence should not be threatening
c. teach them to listen to the voice of God within themselves and to trust it
(10) Pray with, and for, each other
a. one person prays for the need
b. a second or third person may pray additional related needs or concerns
John prays for his wife in hospital. Second prayer is for strength for John
and the children. Third prayer is for financial help in the situation, etc.
(11) Try to pray for each member of the group, each time
(12) Expect God to guide, even as the group is praying
a. we won't always have knowledge up front
(13) Be creative in your approach to group prayer
a. adoration and praise
b. thanksgiving
c. confession
d. commitment
e. intercession
f. choose different topics
1. family
2. church needs
3. community needs
4. government, etc.
D. Suggested approaches
(1) Begin with an awareness of His presence
a. recognize Christ, verbally, as the leader, teacher
b. meditate quietly as a group on His love and concern, power, etc. (use
appropriate scripture to accent the flow of the Holy Spirit)
(2) Thanksgiving
a. thanks for each person present
b. each person gives one sentence prayer of thanksgiving. Go around group
several times
(3) Help me/Us Lord
a. briefly, openly and honestly confessing sin
b. honest confession is a part of worship
c. ask who would like to pray for themself
d. listen carefully to the prayer. Pray it back to them, giving love
(4) Lord, help my brother, help my sister, etc.
a. use first names only, and be brief
b. be careful not to pray "gossip"
the leader needs to redirect prayer if this has happened
E. When designated time is over, group leader offers closing prayer. Do not be afraid to close prayer and suggest further prayer and ministry time at the end of the meeting during 'prayer partner' time.
F. Introducing conversational prayer into the group
(1) First meeting
a. leader opens with prayer
b. use a suggested approach
c. reviews some of the understanding the group has
d. leader closes with prayer, using in the name of Jesus
(2) Second meeting
a. same basic format as first meeting, for opening
b. at close of meeting, leader introduces conversational form of prayer in
asking for needs (help me Lord), in addition to prayer of thanks
(3) Third meeting
a. leader has someone else open with prayer
b. near end of prayer time, leader initiates prayer for person to the right
(4) Fourth meeting
a. near the close of meeting utilize concept of prayer partners
b. prayer partners ask each other's needs during group time
c. emphasize to pray for each other daily during the week
d. close meetings in prayer as a group
(5) Fifth meeting
a. introduce full concept of conversational prayer; be brief and clear
b. go over all principles, making sure all understand
c. leader asks members to share relevant topics they could use later in
prayer times as a group
d. group members meet with last week's prayer partners
e. share answers to prayer requests, and spend time in conversational prayer
f. close meeting with group prayer
(6) Sixth meeting
a. near the close, give limited time for brief prayer requests
b. review some of the main points of the Bible study, and include in prayer
topics
c. switch to new prayer partners, and spend time in conversational prayer
d. close meeting with group prayer
(7) Seventh meeting
a. same as the sixth meeting
G. Prayer partners
(1) Groups of three or four
(2) Meet at the end of the meeting to share prayer requests
(3) Agree to pray for prayer partner's requests each day during the coming week
(4) Can be switched each week, or kept as long as desired
(5) Bring small "prayer notebook" to write down names and prayer requests
H. Practical uses for prayer requests and discussion topics
(1) What do we, as a group, need to do to make our prayers more than empty words?
a. does someone need meals, or a ride?
b. who will volunteer to make a hospital call, or home call, to someone who is
ill?
c. who was absent from this meeting that needs to be called?
people should be aware of their part in caring for others
d. who has a "shut-in" in their family that would enjoy a visit from someone?
PRAYER CHAIN ORGANIZATION FOR CELL GROUPS
I. Prayer Chain Captains
(1) Has all names, phone numbers, and addresses of group members
(2) Has at least one back up, preferably two
II. Organization of Groups
Organize your group into prayer chains.
(1) Each group should have a prayer chain coordinator who will activate the chain by contacting the prayer chain captain
(2) If the coordinator is unavailable, a prayer chain is contacted
(3) Based on the number of units (individuals or couples in your group) you will need one or two prayer chains
(4) As you can see from the example on the following page, we have organized our leadership prayer chain. It is most productive to keep the group relatively small
(5) There is a blank chart provided for developing your group's chain (page 24)
III. Routing of Calls
(1) Captain receives initial prayer request
(2) Captain calls each of three group leaders
(3) They each call one more person
(4) They each call one more person
(5) They each call one more person
(6) The last person in the chain calls the original captain to advise the chain is
complete
IV. General Information
(1) Each person within each group will have all phone numbers from their group, in calling order, as well as the numbers of all calling captains
(2) If they cannot reach the person directly following them on the list, they will move down the list until someone answers for prayer
(3) When you are unable to reach the next person on your list do not break the chain. Continue to call each successive person until you reach someone. After that call please continue to try to reach the person directly following you on the list
(4) Calling captains are responsible to obtain two people who can be reached in lieu of their availability
"L" CELL GROUP ORGANIZATION
Group "One" Calling Captain: Jim and Ivette Couillard.................................. (310) 698-5855
Members: Mike and Denise Cammarano........................................................ (818) 963-2990
Jim and Betty Gray............................................................................ (310) 943-9534
Judy Gordon....................................................................................... (818) 309-5093
Kathy Bragg........................................................................................ (909) 590-8977
Group "Two" Calling Captain: Carlton and Donna Sober.............................. (909) 595-1353
Members: Duane and Gloria Rock................................................................... (818) 351-9423
Group "Three" Calling Captain: Keith and Sara Tieszen............................... (909) 591-2871
Members: Rick and DeeAnn Larsen.................................................. (818) 332-3369 (home)
(909) 620-6787 (business)
Ed and Bea Martin.............................................................. (818) 919-5259 (home)
(800) 339-6234 (his business message phone)
(1) Whichever calling captain receives the initial call will call the other two captains as well as the first name on their list
(2) Prayer for the Orrs, Phillips, Martins, Provencios and Myers
a. Each couple will be responsible to call the other four couples, plus one of the captains for the "L's", who in turn will call the other two "L's", plus the first person on their list
b. Upon receiving confirmation of the completion of the circle, each "L" will call the person from whom they received the request
c. As each person relays the prayer request, they will pray a prayer of agreement over the request before calling the next person on their list. They will also pray individually after the call is completed
LEADERSHIP PRAYER CHAIN
Calling Captain: Gerie and Russ Martin.............................................................. (909) 595-0716
Bob and Margaret Orr............................................................................................... (909) 593-7042
Miles and Stephanie Phillips.................................................................................. (909) 592-6862
Ruben and Naomi Provencio................................................................................. (310) 692-7111
Glen and Cheryl Myers............................................................................................ (818) 916-0021
CELL GROUP PRAYER-CHAIN GUIDELINES
Prepare
Be prepared to receive requests by placing the following items by your phone a pen and your notebook request sheet.
Receiving Requests
Pass the request on immediately to the person below your name on the prayer chain list. If no answer, continue calling down the list until someone is reached so the chain will not be broken. At a later time try to recall the person(s) you missed to share the request. Do not allow the chain to break.
Pray for Request
Do not take time to chat; pass on the request. After you hang up, pray before doing anything else. Pray request to God. Pray fervently. Keep requests confidential. Pray until you feel a release in your spirit.
Last Person
The last person called should call the first person on the prayer chain list to let himher know the chain has been completed. Often the first person on the prayer chain will be the worshipprayer leader.
Prayer Answers
Call prayer answers to your worship/prayer leader.
If Absent
Much time will be saved if you advise the person ahead of you on the chain if you are planning to be out-of-town for any length of time.
The success of the Prayer Chain depends on
each person doing his/her part
See page 23 for an example of how the CARE Group Coordinator's prayer chain is organized
See page 27 for sample "Cell Group Prayer Diary"
CELL GROUP ORGANIZATION
Group "One" Calling Captain _________________________________________________
Members: ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Group "Two" Calling Captain _________________________________________________
Members: ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Group "Three" Calling Captain ________________________________________________
Members: ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Whichever calling captain receives the initial call will contact the other two captains as well as the first name on their list
CELL GROUP PRAYER DIARY
| Date | Person Requesting Prayer | Telephone | Nature of Request | DateAnswered | |
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | |||||
| 4 | |||||
| 5 | |||||
| 6 | |||||
| 7 | |||||
| 8 | |||||
| 9 | |||||
| 10 | |||||
| 11 | |||||
| 12 | |||||
| 13 | |||||
| 14 | |||||
| 15 | |||||
| 16 | |||||
| 17 | |||||
| 18 | |||||
| 19 | |||||
| 20 | |||||
| 21 | |||||
| 22 | |||||
| 23 | |||||
| 24 | |||||
| 25 | |||||
PRAYING FOR THE EMPTY CHAIR
I. Decide, and Come Into Agreement
A. Choose the person(s) your cell group will focus on in prayer
(1) Neighbor, family, friend, business acquaintance, etc.
II. Use the Word of God as Your "Basis" or Reason for Praying for This Person(s)
A. The basis of redemption is:
(1) Christ's redemption purchased all mankind
(2) Each person is, therefore, God's purchased and cherished possession
B. We must, by faith, through prayer, claim and take for God, in the name of Jesus, what rightfully belongs to him
(1) Claim the tearing down of all works of Satan (e.g. false doctrine, unbelief, atheistic teaching, bitterness, hatred, etc.) in their lives
(2) Pray for every thought to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
(3) Claim the person's deliverance from the power and persuasion of the evil one; from the love of the world; from the lust of the flesh
(4) Pray for God to bring them to a point of repentance. Their conscience will be convicted, and they may listen and believe as they hear or read the Word of God
(5) Pray God's will and purposes may be accomplished in and through them
C. Understand we must be persistent and definite in intercession
(1) Not to persuade God, he has heard us
(2) Our prayer and resistance are against the enemy
a. Satan yields only when and what he must
(3) We must pray even after the results are seen
a. pray for establishment in the faith
b. pray for their maturity in the faith
D. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will give new direction
(1) Be attentive to fresh anointing in prayer
E. Be faithful, consistent, persistent, and have patience
(1) Don't ever give up (if you do not quit, you cannot lose)
F. Constantly seek the motivation of the Holy Spirit in all you do
(1) Confess your sins
(2) Have faith and believe his Word
(3) Pray for his guidance and leading
G. Present the person, by name, to Jesus as his purchased possession
H. Pray against the powers of darkness that claim a hold on this person's life so this person will have the freedom to choose or reject Jesus Christ apart from Satan's interference or bondage
I. Remember, with God all things are possible
Mark 10:27
J. For the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
THE PRAYER TRIPLET
If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask,
it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
For where two or THREE are gathered together in my name, there am I in
the midst of them . . . A THREEfold cord is not quickly broken.
Matthew 18:19-20, Ecclesiastes 4:12
In a prayer triplet you link with two other Christians. Together you create a list of nine target unbelievers for whom you will pray on a regular basis. You then spend time with target unbelievers, and later invite them to church related activities, or to an evangelistic Bible study.
I. Identify Target Unbelievers and Triplet Partners
Your mission field is where you live, work, or go to school. In the following spaces, list the names of three unbelievers in the area for whom you will commit to pray daily:
(1) _________________________________________________________________
(2) _________________________________________________________________
(3) _________________________________________________________________
Identify your Triplet Partners
Triplet partners should be two Christians you know and trust. After they agree to become a triplet partner, insert your three names in the boxed spaces on the left of the following chart.
Combine your lists.
Insert the three names you, and each of your triplet partners have designated, on the lines to the right of the boxes where you inserted the triplet partners' names.
Triplet Partners Unbelievers You Will Pray For
Identify your Triplet Partners (continued)
Triplet Partners Unbelievers You Will Pray For
II. Covenant With Your Prayer Triplet Partners
Now that you and the partners in your triplet have each identified three unbelievers, covenant with them to do two things:
(1) Pray daily for each person on that list of nine names.
(2) Meet together, weekly, for a time of joint prayer. During this time, combine in the prayer of agreement for the salvation of those nine people. This does not need to be a long time; it could only be ten minutes. Also, you could simply meet for a few minutes before or after church service.
It is suggested that you covenant with your triplet partners this way for a minimum of three months. At the end of that time, you can decide to recovenant, and continue for another three months.
| WHEN and WHERE You and Your Triplet Partners Will Meet for Prayer _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ |
III. Pray
Now it is time to pray. Look to God to bring those nine target unbelievers to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray DAILY, and specifically, for the needs and lives of these people. Pray that God will give you the opportunity to share his love with them. Pray that God would bless and guide your triplet partners. You will continue to look to God as you and your triplet partners meet weekly for prayer together.
IV. Spend Time With Target Unbelievers
After one month, when you have prayed daily for the nine unbelievers, and weekly with your triplet partners, start doing one more thing. Look for ways to increase friendship with target unbelievers. Spend time with them, and invest yourself in their lives. Consider spending one hour each week with one of your three target unbelievers, simply building a relationship with him/her.
| My first month of prayer will be completed on _____________________________________ One unbeliever I will spend time with the week after _______________________________ |
During your weekly times together, often you will want to tell your triplet partners how God has been moving in the lives of those for whom you have been praying, and with whom you have been spending time.
The Prayer Triplet originally developed by Karen Hurston; adapted by Robert Orr
PRAYING FOR LEADERS
"Praying for leaders is the most under-utilized source of spiritual power in the church."
C. Peter WagnerPraying for Leaders/
I. What is Personal Intercession?
Exodus 17:9-14
Intercession is where the real battles take place
(1) Joshua was doing the ministry (physical warfare)
(2) Moses was doing the intercession (spiritual warfare)
a. Joshua went into physical battle
b. Moses went up on a hill and prayed
1. Aaron and Hur assisted Moses
(3) Battle was won on both fronts
a. First in the spiritual
b. Then in the physical
II. The Need
1 Timothy 2:1-3
Leaders need personal intercessors much more than others, for at least five reasons:
(1) More responsibility and accountability
a. They keep watch over your soul
Hebrews 13:7
(2) More susceptible to temptation
a. the higher in leadership, the more Satan will target, even Jesus did not escape temptation
Matthew 4:1-11
b. mainly in areas of sex, money, and power
(3) Leaders are more direct targets of spiritual warfare
1 Timothy 3:1-16
(4) Leaders have more influence
a. they take others with them when they fall (domino principle)
(5) Leaders have more visibility
a. more subject to public scrutiny, gossip, and criticism
III. Why is Intercession Under-utilized?
A. Ignorance
(1) Most leaders are unaware of it, or the need for it
a. very little is written on prayer and personal intercession
(2) Personal belief
a. end times warfare greater prayer need is greater
B. Rugged Individualism
(1) Western culture. "I'll do it alone"
(2) This is carried over into personal spiritual lives and relationships with God
C. Fear
2 Timothy 1:7
Relating to a personal intercessor requires:
(1) Deeper level of vulnerability
(2) Deeper level of accountability
(3) Many leaders have difficulty with this
D. Three types of intercessors
(1) Intercessors 1-3
a. remote contact with leader
b. leader is "highly visible"
c. hundreds pray for him/her everyday but have never met personally
d. this prayer power is very important, especially if people enjoy a celebrity status
(2) Intercessors 1-2
a. maintain casual contact with leader
b. usually people who pray for leader every day
(3) Intercessors 1-1
a. enjoy close contact with leader
b. usually limited to one or two
c. keep very close contact with leader
d. have knowledge of very personal issues in leader's life
(4) Survey of personal prayer life
a. do I have a personal intercessor?
b. am I truly honest with them?
c. am I maintaining contact with them?
d. if not, who can I seek out to be an intercessor(s) for me (us)?
1. ask the Holy Spirit to give you the names
2. be accountable to them
Six Types of Prayer
A. Confession of sin
1 John 1:7-10; Psalm 139:23,24
(1) Sin separates us from God
(2) He hides his presence from us
Isaiah 59:1,2
(3) Sin must be dealt with every day or prayer is:
a. meaningless
b. spiritless
c. fruitless
d. agonizing
e. laborious
(4) When our hearts are clean, prayer is:
a. meaningful
b. fruitful
c. delightful encounter with God
B. Praying in tongues is a help for a more effective prayer life
(1) Permeates all areas of your prayer life
(2) Given by God
(3) Ascends above nationalism
(4) Opens up the spirit to God
1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 14, 18; Romans 8:26
C. Praise, thanksgiving, singing, worship, adoration
(1) Means of taking your mind off self
(2) Causes you to become God conscious
(3) Can be a means of entering God's presence
(4) Can be a means of expressing faith in God's power
(5) Can be a culmination of petitions
Psalm 100:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
D. Receiving: waiting, watching, listening, writing, meditating
(1) Once we have "touched" God through
a. Bible reading
b. praise, worship, adoration
c. praying in tongues
d. any other method
(2) We then wait quietly before Him
a. quiet expectation
b. write down the things He says to you
Psalm 46:10; Ecclesiastes 5:1-2; Habakkuk 1:1-2:2;
Isaiah 55:3, 6, 11
(3) Signs that the things you are seeing and hearing are from God
a. My sheep know my voice
John 10:3-5
b. you have peace
1. the inner witness of the Spirit
c. you have power (strength to act or move on the directive)
d. you have joy
e. there is agreement between what you are hearing and seeing with
what the written word says
1. acting on the voice or vision will not violate any precept or principle
2. God brings confirmation of what he says through scripture and/or
two or more witnesses
f. divine arrangement of circumstances
g. the agreement principle
1. scripture states if any of you shall agree on anything, etc.
E. Personal petitions
(1) God desires us to be totally honest with him
a. he cannot minister to our needs otherwise
b. pour out inner needs and anxieties
c. tell him of external needs
(2) This releases him to pour out his power
a. we become full of his life
b. we receive the blessings we have need of
1. emotionally
2. physically
3. the Holy Spirit flows through us
Matthew 6:11, 7:7; Psalm 50:15
F. Intercession for others
We are to pray for all men; especially those in authority
(1) Hebrew word paga/intercession
a. means chance encounter
(2) Keep hearts and minds open and responsive
a. "see" the person/situation for whom you are praying
b. allow Christ to contact them in the vision and minister his grace to
them
1 Timothy 2:1-4
(3) Personal intercession must never be used as a means of manipulating a person or situation. This becomes "spiritual witchcraft."
Various Areas of Prayer
A. Every type of prayer is not always seen in every prayer session
B. Not legalistic, rigid or repetitive
C. Flow should be directed by the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 6:18
(1) Inspired
(2) Guided
(3) Sustained
(4) Energized
D. Cultivate an openness to seeing, sensing in the spiritual realm
John 5:19-21, 8:38
Things which God is feeling and impressing in your spirit:
(1) Dreams
(2) Visions
(3) Imagery
(4) Voice of the Holy Spirit
(5) Sensing peace
(6) Sensing burdens
(7) Other movings
E. By using, and understanding, these movings:
(1) Prayer life ascends above our thinking
(2) Rationalism is replaced by Holy Spirit
(3) Prayer becomes exciting and meaningful
(4) We help God accomplish his desires on the earth
| PRAYER GUIDE I. Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name A. Picture Calvary and thank God you can call him "Father" by virtue of the blood of Jesus B. Hallow the names of God corresponding with the five benefits in the new covenant, and make your faith declarations | Benefit Name Meaning |
| SIN JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU "Jehovah our Righteousness" JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH "Jehovah who Sanctifies" SPIRIT JEHOVAH-SHALOM "Jehovah is Peace" JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH "Jehovah is There" SOUNDNESS JEHOVAH-ROPHE "Jehovah Heals" SUCCESS JEHOVAH-JIREH "Jehovah's Provision Shall be Seen" SECURITY JEHOVAH-NISSI "Jehovah my Banner" JEHOVAH-ROHI "Jehovah my Shepherd" |
| II. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done A. Yourself B. Your family (mate, children, other family members) C. Your church (pastor, leadership, faithfulness of people, harvest) D. Nation (city, state, national political and spiritual leaders, harvest) III. Give us this day our daily bread A. Be in the will of God (prayer life, church, work habits,, obedience in giving) B. Believe it is God's will to prosper you C. Be specific D. Be tenacious IV. And Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors A. Ask God to forgive you B. Forgive and release others C. Set your will to forgive those who sin against you V. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil A. Put on the whole armor or God (put on the Lord Jesus Christ) (1) Loins girt about with TRUTH (2) Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS (3) Feet shod with the PREPARATION (READINESS) of the gospel of PEACE (4) Shield of FAITH (5) Helmet of SALVATION (6) Sword of the Spirit which is the WORD of GOD B. Pray a hedge of protection (you are my refuge, my fortress, my God) (1) Because thou hast made the Lord thy habitation (2) Because he hath set his love upon Me (3) Because he hath known My name VI. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever A. Make your faith declarations B. Return to praise © 1984 Dr. Larry Lea, Church On The Rock, Box 880, Rockwall, Texas 75087. All Rights Reserved |
| PRAYER DIRECTIVES FROM THE WORD (1) Pray for the harvest Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2 (2) Pray for national and local leaders of government 1 Timothy 2:1 (3) Pray for the church, that God will make it a praise in the earth Isaiah 62:7 (4) Pray that God will open doors for ministry of the Word Colossians 4:3 (5) Pray for those who have mistreated you Luke 6:28 (6) Pray that you enter not into temptation Luke 22:40 (7) Pray that you may do no evil 2 Corinthians 13:7 (8) Pray that your love may abound toward all people Philippians 1:9 (9) Pray that your whole spirit, mind and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (10) Pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit Luke 11:13 (11) Pray that you may be able to interpret what you speak in tongues 1 Corinthians 14:13 (12) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem Psalm 122:6 (13) Pray that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life 1 Timothy 2:2 (14) Pray to have the desires that God wants you to have Psalm 37:4; Mark 11:24 These things are the will of God for you © 1984 Dr. Larry Lea, Church On The Rock, Box 880, Rockwall, Texas 75087. All Rights Reserved |
PRINCIPLES for EFFECTIVE INTERCESSION
(1) Make sure your heart is clean before God by having given the Holy Spirit time to convict, should there be any unconfessed sin.
Psalm 66:18, 139:2, 3
(2) Acknowledge that you cannot really pray without the direction and energy of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:26
(3) Ask God to utterly control you by his spirit.
Ephesians 5:18; Hebrews 11:6
(4) Die to your own imaginations, desires and burdens for what you feel you should pray.
Proverbs 28:26; Isaiah 55:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5
(5) Deal aggressively with the enemy. Come against him in the all-powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and with the "Sword of the Spirit" the Word of God.
James 4:7; Zechariah 3:2
(6) Ask for the fear of the Lord to speak out what he gives you, then be afraid to keep silent.
(7) Praise Him now in faith for the remarkable prayer experience you are going to have. He is a remarkable God and will do something consistent with his character.
(8) Wait in silent expectancy. Then, in obedience and faith, utter what God brings to your mind. Be sure not to move onto the next subject until you have given God sufficient time to discharge all he wants to say to you.
John 10:27
(9) Always have your Bible with you should God want to give you direction or confirmation from it.
Psalm 119:105
(10) When God ceases to bring things to your mind for prayer, finish by praising and thanking him for what he has done.
Romans 11:36
The Vision of Intercession
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving to made for all men." 2 Timothy 2:1 (RSV)
Intercession is defined as the prayers offered for others as directed and energized by the Holy Spirit. It is when we stand between others and God to plead on their behalf in the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20
The Word tells us that God is looking for even one to stand in the gap. In the Bible there were many intercessors who pled for individuals, families, cities, and nations. When God intended to destroy a nation, Moses stood before him in the breach.
Psalm 106:23
Everyone has a constant, perpetual intercessor in the person of Christ, who ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25
Intercession is the most rewarding, and deeply satisfying service we can engage in as we link our weak, powerless lives with His all-powerful life. We must "recognize God will not work without intercession," and there must be intercessors.
Ezekiel 22:30-31
It is a much neglected service to the Lord.
Isaiah 63:5, 64:7, 59:16
It is the most unpopular service because it has high costs: it is done primarily in secret as an individual; it involves a sacrifice of time and fellowship; and God deals deeply with the state of one's heart. But intercession is to become a way of life for EVERY ONE of us.
How to Become, and Remain an Intercessor
Desire to become an intercessor for others
Determine you will live this life
Discipline your life to intercede. This is the area where the vision is usually lost because of the high costs involved. The rewards will far exceed the cost. Make the principles of intercession a part of your life.
Worship God by meditating on his character
Jeremiah 32:17, 19; Micah 7:7
Have faith in your heart to hear the will of God, and to receive answers
Hebrews 11:6; Romans 4:20-23; John 14:13, 14; Mark 11:24; Ephesians 1:19
Realize you must live in obedience to revealed light
Expect God to reveal secrets
Amos 3:7
Learn to pray by praying. The more you pray, the more you will want to pray
Know the voice of the Lord
John 10:3, 4
Ask for the fear of the Lord, for hatred of evil and sin, the way God hates it
Proverbs 8:13
Automatic Responsibilities in Intercessions
For kings and for all that are in authority, . . .. 1 Timothy 2:2 We are to pray for all leaders in all areas of authority. To have divinely appointed and anointed leaders, we must intercede for them. In civic, Christian, national or world-wide leadership, added responsibility brings the need for added intercessors. As we pray for the maximum move of God in the world, or in his body, we are to pray for God's leaders to be appointed.
Other areas include: immediate family, young converts we have been instrumental in bringing to the Lord, neighbors, and how to give them the message, the city and nation where God has put us, churches and missionaries from our churches, lost souls, and those in greatest spiritual darkness and bondage, in love and faith with a forgiving spirit for those that have despitefully used us, for an enlarged vision and heart of God, the least evangelized nations, and those ministering there.
Jeremiah 29:7; Isaiah 66:7-9; 1 Chronicles 4:10
The Christian and Spiritual Warfare
The Christian life is warfare.
2 Corinthians 10:3, 4
We must learn to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of Satan, as well as our own in the Lord Jesus. The enemy gets away with as much as we let him, and he keeps us in defeat because (1) we have no knowledge of the enemy, (2) unconfessed sin makes a platform for attack, or (3) we have not made restitution for sin. Do not minimize the strength of Satanic forces.
2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19; John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11; 1 Peter 5:8
He has power in demonic ranks and mankind itself. But his weaknesses are by far greater than his strengths. He is a fallen angel, doomed to eternal destruction.
Isaiah 14:12; Revelation 20:10; Nahum 2:1
We are on the winning side.
Ephesians 1:19-20; Colossians 1:15-20; Philippians 2:5-11
Being free from sin, making restitution, continually being filled with the Holy Spirit, having a totally surrendered will, and receiving power by faith are the conditions of scripture that must be met in our lives for victory. Satan had no power over Christ because he had no foothold of sin.
John 14:30
We should be able to say at all times in humility, truth, and boldness that "the prince of this world has nothing in me."
Preparation to Battle With the Enemy
(1) Take heavenly position seated with Christ.
Ephesians 2:4-7
(2) Realize and take authority
Luke 10:19
(3) Take place of protection
2 Thessalonians 3:3; Proverbs 18:10; Ephesians 6:10
(4) Put on the whole armor of God which is for praying. Weapons are: the name of the Lord Jesus and his blood, the power of the Spirit, the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God). Study the following passage and what these weapons are, and how to use them.
Ephesians 6:13-17
(5) Take place of humility by recognizing your place in Christ.
How to Do Battle
(1) Resist Satan
James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8, 9
(2) Bind the enemy
Matthew 12:29, 16:19
(3) Attack with the sword of the Spirit using appropriate scriptures as led and directed by the Holy Spirit.
See Matthew 4 for how Jesus used sword of the Spirit
(4) Declare the victory of Calvary the finished work of Christ
Colossians 2:15; 1 John 3:8
(5) Confess victory through the Blood of the Lamb, and word of testimony
Revelation 12:11
(6) State your authority in the Lord Jesus
Luke 10:19; 1 John 4:4
(7) On authority of the Word of God, smash the enemy's stronghold, and loose from bondage the person or situation for whom you are interceding
(8) Declare verses of victory to give glory to God
Psalms 44:3-8, 108:13, etc.
Recommended Study Helps
These are only brief notes from a series of eight messages by Joy Dawson. To fully understand the ministry of intercession, the following tapes and books should be considered a 'must'.
Tapes:
Intercession, D-133 through D-140 Joy Dawson
Waiting on God, D-106 Joy Dawson
Reasons Why We Need to Seek God, D-109
Joy Dawson
How to Seek God, D-110 Joy Dawson
Creating With God, C-205 Loren Cunningham
Conditions for Knowing God's Voice, C-206
Loren Cunningham
How God Speaks, C-207 Loren Cunningham
Prayer and Heavenly Warfare Arthur Wallis
Praying Like Jesus, B-101 Brother Andrew
Books:
The Ministry of Intercession Andrew Murray
Revell $4.95
Rees Howells Intercessor, Norman Grubb
CLC $1.95
God's Chosen Fast, CLC$1.25 Arthur Wallis
Pray in The Spirit, CLC Arthur Wallis
If My People Jimmy and Carol Owens
Word Books $3.25
Music:
If My People . . ." Jimmy Owens
Tell the World Jimmy Owens
The Ways of God in Intercession
PRAY out loud when possible. It helps to keep your mind from wandering.
FAST, with prayers
Ezra 8:21, 23; Nehemiah 9; 2 Chronicles 20:3; Daniel 9:3; Esther 4; Hannah in
1 Samuel 1
WEEP in the Holy Spirit allow God to share his heart with you, melting you by the Holy Spirit in the fear of the Lord
Hebrews 5:7; Luke 22:44; Romans 8:26
TRAVAIL in prayer
Isaiah 66:7-9
WRESTLE in prayer
Isaiah 64:7
PERSEVERE in prayer
Luke 11:5-13
Take no vacation from prayer
Isaiah 62:6
STUDY these great intercessors and their prayers, noting the recurring themes of God's character, his work, his people, his burdens, his responsibility, his glory, and his promises; also note common references to fasting, the intercessor's identification with the sins of the people, humbling and confessions.
Daniel .. Daniel 9:3-21, Nehemiah .. Nehemiah 1:4-11, Ezra .. Ezra 9:4-14,
Moses .. Numbers 14:11-20
A Warning
God knows the great weakness of the human heart towards pride, and if we speak of what God has revealed and done in intercession, it may lead to our committing this sin against God.
God shares his secrets and burdens with those who are able to keep them. There may
come a time when He will definitely prompt us to share but unless this happens, we should remain silent. . . . and they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. Luke 9:36 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19
PRAYER in the HOME FELLOWSHIP GROUP
Purpose
(1) To build faith
(2) To meet needs within the group
(3) To enable the group to minister beyond itself to others
(4) To lead to worship
(5) To strengthen relationships within the group
(6) To help model the importance of prayer to the member of the group
(7) To keep attention directed to the Lord Jesus Christ, and off oneself
Plan for Prayer
Note: the group may feel the need to pray one or more times at a meeting need should determine the amount of time spent. Sometimes Bible reading or study preceding the prayer time helps to set a more productive climate for prayer. Do not simply allow prayer to "happen" plan for prayer with a constant sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Teach people the "need" to plan time for God in their lives.
Methods of Prayer
(1) Circle Prayer: Each person in the circle prays briefly, until all have prayed.
(2) Conversational Prayer: see notes
(3) Directed Prayer: One person leads while others follow in agreement.
(4) Prayer Partners: Joining with one or two others to agree on a specific prayer need.
(5) 5-Finger Prayer: The thumb represents the need of a family member; the index finger represents teachers (Bible school teachers, public and private school teachers, etc.); the middle finger represents authority figures (the president, city mayor, pastor, boss at work, etc.); the fourth (weakest) finger represents the weak (widows, orphans, socially weak, drug addicts, prostitutes, etc.); and, the little finger represents one personal need.
(6) Praying Through the Newspaper: Short, diverse, and interesting articles are cut out of the newspaper, inserted into an envelope, and later passed to the members of the group. Each member takes one article, is given a few minutes to read and think, and then briefly shares with the group a little bit about the article, and one need it represents that the group can pray about. The group then prays for that need.
(7) Burden-bearer Prayer: As each prayer request is given, turn to an individual and ask him/her to pray for that request right then, while the remainder of the group agrees in prayer, allowing the praying individual to be the requesting person's "burden bearer." After the next prayer request is given, another individual becomes the "burden bearer" with the group following in agreement.
(8) Unison Prayer: All members of the group simultaneously pray aloud, usually around a central topic of concern.
(9) Silent Prayer: Can be meditative and worshipful, allowing the group to contemplate God's goodness and benefits in an attitude of reverent silence.
(10) Praying in the Spirit: Praying in tongues. One word of caution when unbelievers, or non-charismatic Christians are present, be sure that being "spiritual" does not lead to offense. Remember, it is better to bruise a saint for a season than to lose a soul for eternity.
D. Focus of prayer
(1) The unsaved and unchurched in the community
(2) Those with whom we work
(3) Family and friends
(4) Church leadership
(5) Past, present, and future concerns
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Fighting the Kingdom of Satan
Do All Things With Understanding
Know your enemy and you will defeat him. Part of understanding what God is doing is knowing your part in it and how to do it.
A. Believers live in a visible and an invisible world
B. Believers live in a physical and a spiritual world
(1) Invisible world has two kingdoms
Colossians 1:13-14
a. Kingdom of God is not of this world
b. Kingdom of Satan he is the god of this world
(2) These two kingdoms are continually at war with one another
a. believer is compared to a soldier in that fight
2 Timothy 2:3-4
b. properly suited with right armor
put on the full armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18
C. Many believers rarely fight in this battle
(1) They are weak in their Christian lives
(2) They allow Satan to advance in areas that rightly belong to the Kingdom of God
(3) They are fearful because they believe Satan's power is greater
D. It is vital that every believer understand who the enemy is, and how to fight him
(1) We lose in a battle because we do not know our enemy, or we really do not believe he will come after us. We are unprepared.
Understanding the Kingdom of Satan
A. Who Satan was
Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19
(1) He was a created being of great beauty and wisdom
(2) He was filled with self will and pride in sinning against God
(3) He persuaded one-third of the angels to rebel with him. Some are bound in chains, others are still free
2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12:3-4
(4) Most scholars believe these angels are the demons in the Kingdom of Darkness
B. Satan's identity
(1) Adversary
1 Peter 5:8
His goal destruction
(2) Father of lies
John 8:44
His goal deception
He is a murderer, a hater of truth. There is not one iota of truth in him
(3) Angel of light
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
His goal delusion
(4) Accuser
Revelation 12:10
His goal doubt and deception
(5) Prince of the power of the air
He is the ruler of all spiritual beings who have rebelled against God
Ephesians 2:2
His goal distraction and distortion
Once we went along with the crowd just as those who are now obeying Satan
C. What Satan and his demons try to do
(1) Afflict one's body
Matthew 12:22; Luke 13:10-16
(2) Doctrinally delude
1 Timothy 4:1-3
(3) Emotionally distort
2 Timothy 1:7; Mark 5:1-20
(4) Mentally deceive
Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit
Acts 5:1-5
D. Two case studies
| Person | Satan's Weapon | Satan's Target | Satan's Purpose | Our Defense |
| Eve Genesis 3:17 | Lies John 8:44 Revelation 12:9 | The Mind 2 Corinthians 11:3 | To Doubt and Distort God's Will and Word | Obedience and Faith in the Word of God Luke 4:1-4 |
| Job 1:8-12 Job 2:1-7 | Difficulty Physical Distress Accusations Luke 22:31-32 Job 4:25 | The Thoughts and Will of Man To Tempt Him to Wrong Choices Romans 8:5-7 | That One Will Deny God and His Word Job 1:11 Job 2:5 | Renewal of One'sMind With Trust in God in Spite of Circumstances Philippians 4:4-9 |
E. Satan's main purpose
(1) The body
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
(2) The mind
Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 11:3
(3) Relationships
Let there be no divisions among you
2 Corinthians 2:10-11; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 12:14-27
Satan's Attack On The Mind
A. Primary attack is through lies and deceptions
(1) Mind set on the flesh is death
Those who follow the things of the physical nature live only to please themselves, and leads to death. The things of the Holy Spirit lead to life.
Romans 8:5-6
(2) Believers responsibility if to renew their minds
Romans 12:2
(3) Believers need to pull down strongholds and take every thought captive to Christ
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
(4) Outline things the believer is to think about
Philippians 4:8
(5) The mind is vital because our thoughts
a. govern actions
b. govern attitude
c. influence every aspect of one's life
B. Lies we believe about ourselves
(1) "I am dumb and stupid." God's word says:
a. God has given us a sound mind
2 Timothy 1:17
b. we have victory through Christ
1 Corinthians 15:57
c. God has given us the keys of the kingdom. In His name we and bind and
loose.
Matthew 16:19
(2) "I am unattractive"
a. we are God's workmanship. God does not make any junk!
Ephesians 2:10
b. we are so beautiful to Christ that he bought us with his life
1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23
(3) "I have no talent"
a. we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places with Christ
Ephesians 1:3
b. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Philippians 4:13
(4) "I'm no good"
a. we are called saints. Is God a liar?
Colossians 1:12
b. we are holy and blameless in Christ
Colossians 1:22
c. we are a royal priesthood
1 Peter 2:9
C. Lies we believe about relationships
(1) Main lie is the focus on expectations we have for others
a. it is their responsibility to make us happy
b. if they do not meet my needs they don't love me
(2) We must take the responsibility for our own happiness
a. it is unfair for us to shift the blame for our unhappiness to those around us
b. we must examine and untangle our relationships in love and truth
(3) Another lie is how we make our desires known
a. many believe manipulation is the only way
1. guilt
2. obligation
b. we must learn to ask, openly, for what we desire, speaking the truth in love
Ephesians 4:15
D. Lies we believe about God
(1) Three categories of lies and misconceptions about God involve:
a. he is a taskmaster with a whip
b. he will punish me if I do wrong
c. he will not love me if I do wrong
(2) Lies about God's ways
a. God did not answer my prayer, therefore he must not care
(3) Lies about God's children and the true nature of spirituality
a. he is either not saved or not a good Christian
b. he is not a good Christian, he is still struggling with anger, lying, smoking, etc.
E. With any lie one believes, there are three steps to renewing one's mind
(1) Locate the lie of the enemy
(2) Battle against the lie with God's word
(3) Replace that lie with God's word
a. meditate on truth
b. putting self into the scripture
c. confess scripture verbally
Understanding the Believer's Resources and Responsibility
A. Christ defeated Satan and his kingdom at the cross
Colossians 2:13-15
(1) He has given us power to overcome the enemy
Luke 10:19; Ephesians 1:19-23, 2:6
(2) The believer has five basic resources in fighting Satan
a. the name of Jesus
Mark 16:17; Acts 4:10, 16:16-18; Philippians 2:9-10
b. the blood of Jesus
1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 12:11
c. testimony and commitment
d. the armor of God, including prayer and fasting
Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 17:21
e. the word of God
Luke 4:1-14
B. In preparing for battle the believer is responsible to:
(1) Renew his mind
Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 11:3
(2) To maintain a healthy physical temple
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
(3) To have right relationships
Matthew 5:23-24; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 5:22, 6:9
(4) When in battle the believer is to stand firm on God's word
Ephesians 6:14
(5) Be led by the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Small Group Discussion
I. Open With Conversational Prayer
Briefly review the principles for conversational prayer; acknowledge God's presence
(1) Thank him for blessings in your life
(2) Pray for the unchurched/unsaved in your community
(3) Pray for the people you plan to invite to your home fellowship
II. Sharing Question
Spiritually, what has been the most growth producing time in your life? Why was it so?
III. Discussion Questions
A. Read Isaiah 14:12-17 and Ezekiel 28:11-19
B. What is the one thing that impresses you about Satan's beginnings as you read these passages?
C. Review your notes on Satan's identity and goals
(1) Which of these is most frequently manifested?
(2) What is one way you can combat him in this identity?
D. Briefly review what Satan and his demons try to do, and his three main targets
(1) Look at the two main case studies; Eve and Job
a. share a similar way you know Satan has attacked someone you
know or you yourself
(2) How did you or the other person overcome?
IV. Mini-Bible study
A. Acts 4:10, 16:16-18; Philippians 2:9-10
1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 12:11
Ephesians 6:10-18
Luke 4:1-14
B. Have a person read each passage
C. After the passage is read, ask the question:
From these verses, what resource or provision is available for victorious warfare against the enemy?
D. Now everyone together read Romans 12:1-2
What is the believer responsible to do?
V. Ministry time
A. It is most important we give the Holy Spirit time to search our thoughts. Be painfully honest with yourself and your group.
And remember, whatever is shared within the group is confidential.
B. Review the lies we believe about ourselves.
(1) Share with group one lie you have believed about yourself
(2) Allow others to pray with you about this
(3) Replace that lie with scripture
C. Repeat this process in lies often believed about:
(1) Relationships
(2) Relationships believed about God
(3) Be ready to repent when necessary
VI. Close in conversational prayer
(1) Theme should be your own felt needs
(2) Needs of those close to you
(3) End by thanking God for his provisions for victorious warfare
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
Leadership Training
MODULE THREE
BASIC PRINCIPLES of SMALL GROUPS
I. The Sociologists Definition
A. As defined by size
(1) Must be less than thirty-five (35) people
(2) It is a sociological primary group
(3) It tends to fall within three basic size categories:
3 7 .. highest levels of intimacy/accountability
8 17 .. excellent learning environment, high levels of care
18 35 .. moderate levels of caring, participants have good sense of belonging, venue for teaching
B. As defined by benefit
(1) Small groups fall into a cost benefit equation i.e., is the investment of time and energy involved justified by the return/benefits derived?
(2) The benefits may be
social
spiritual
psychological
emotional
physical
intellectual
(3) It is not safe to say that all members of a group participate in a group for the same reasons, but it is safe to say all members have adequately answered the cost/benefit question
C. As defined by relationships
(1) What distinguishes a small group from other kinds of gatherings that may appear to be small groups by size? In a true small group the participants have meaningful relationships with others in the group. They have strong and meaningful friendships with others.
(2) In a healthy functioning small group, it would be expected the members would genuinely like each other and socialize outside of the group time
(3) The friendship factor is the strongest glue that bonds people to a church
| New Friends in the Church (Six Months) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9+ |
| Activities | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Drop Outs | 8 | 13 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
D. As defined by frequency of meeting
(1) A minimum of one time a month
(2) The higher the levels of intimacy, the greater the degree of caring, the more accountability demanded, the more frequent the meeting of the group must be
(3) It is generally accepted that "caring groups" such as we are seeking to construct at Faith Community Church will function well if they meet two times per month
These four characteristics work in what has traditionally been called a gestalt. One of these characteristics alone does not make a gathering a small group. All four must be present and functioning.
II. Roberta Hestenes Definition
A Christian small group is
an intentional face to face gathering
of three to twelve people
on a regular time schedule
with a common purpose of
discovering and growing in the possibilities
of the abundant life in Christ.
III. The Relational Pyramid
(see page 57)
Pyramid
IV. Eight Foundational Principles of Small Group Development
A. A church's growth potential is directly related to the capacity of its infrastructure
B. All groups have a "saturation point"
(1) Saturation is technically defined as that time in a group's life when
a. it can no longer accept new members by addition, only substitution
b. it cannot maintain its function without fundamentally changing the nature of how it functions
(2) Examples of saturation:
no "physical room"
the group has become too large for the meeting place
no "emotional room"
there are too many EGR persons in a group and the group is so consumed with its own needs it cannot reach out
no "safe room"
group conflict, or failing to maintain confidences stops new members from feeling safe and they leave
no "relationship room"
when a group becomes too large the quality and intimacy of the relationships decline. People sacrifice the reaching of new members for the maintenance of the quality of relationships already achieved
no "communication room"
when the group achieves between twelve to fourteen regular participants, there are too many communication lines to sustain meaningful communication
* see signal count, page 61
no "leadership room"
the one-another ministry has not developed and the group is leader dependent. The leaders cannot develop an apprentice leader
C. Small groups incorporate easier than large groups
(1) If Faith Community Church's average attendance was to grow by a net 20% a year, in four and a half years we would be a congregation of 6,000. This is virtually impossible to do because bonding 600+ people per year to a large group of three thousand is a very difficult task.
Let's change the approach and assume the 3,000 persons are in 300 groups of ten each. If each group simply adds 2 persons per year
(a doable task) the 6,000 person target in four and a half years would be easily attainted.
(2) Second example:
Have you ever faced the dilemma of being a newcomer in a group and even after the people have all introduced themselves you struggle to remember, even one or two names? In micro you are facing the dilemma every newcomer experiences when coming to our church or one of our groups.
(3) Two truths
a. The longer a person is in a group the more relationships can be sustained (within limits)
b. The larger the group the longer it takes to feel at home
D. The greater the diversity in groups the greater the growth
(1) Categories of groups in Faith Community Church
care cells
recovery groups
interest groups
task groups
(2) The L.L.D.D. model (Coined by Carl George)
Loving the group members must love and be loved if the groups to be health
Learning the members must genuinely feel they are learning/growing
Doing the work God does within must work its way out in the ministry/task of the group
Deciding the business of the group must be owned by the group
E. New groups incorporate easier than older groups
(1) The older a group becomes the more barriers a newcomer has to cross i.e. history, relationships, common experiences, traditions
(2) The one year rule: "incorporation effectiveness diminishes after the first year"
(3) In many cell churches around the world, cells are disbanded if they have not birthed a new cell within a year
F. The stronger the group life, the more loving the church
(1) Research published in the book Who Cares About Love by Win Arn documents the following:
a. people who participate in a group feel more loved than people who do not
b. in measuring the LCQ (Love Care Quotient) the more groups a church had, the higher the LCQ
c. love needs a structure, and the best structure is a small group
G. The health of a church is related to the health of its group life
(1) Kinds of care
a. crisis care
a particular problem or situation needs ministry/resolution
b. preventative care
pitfalls to Xn growth and development that are known are avoided by this care
c. developmental care
the qualities od Christ-like discipleship are built into people's lives
(2) Churches that have a strong group life help people "build their wall of defense in the time of peace." Their pastoral care is preventative and developmental
(3) Churches with a weak group life move from crisis to crisis
(4) Working with the care cell leaders to insure healthy cells is a critical task
H. A church growth plan must include small group development if the fruit of evangelism is to remain
(1) Unless new converts are integrated into a group, it is highly likely they will be back in the world within a year
(2) Persons who get integrated into a group in the process of evangelism rarely, if ever, drop out
V. Signal Counts in Small Groups
(Human scale by Kirkpatrick Sale)
2 2 signals
3 9 signals
4 28 signals
5 75 signals
6 186 signals
7 441 signals
8 1016 signals
9 2295 signals
10 5110 signals
Key Understandings
(1) The longer one is in a group the more relationships can be sustained
(2) The larger the group the longer it will take a new member to feel comfortable
(3) The larger the group the slower its growth becomes
(4) When groups reach the fourteen-plus range you will begin to see communication problems, such as dominant members and silent members
VI. Foundational Principles of Cell Church Life
A. 1:10 care giver ratio
(1) based on Exodus 18
(2) 10% gift mix
(3) relationship pyramid
B. Narrow spans of control administratively
Definition: span of control refers to the numbered people over whom a supervisor has direct control
(1) It is generally accepted in cell churches, the care group coordinators
(L Position) should not exceed five care group leaders
(2) When the span of control becomes too wide our style is supervisory (crisis orientation) rather than mentoring (developmental, coaching, orientation)
C. Formational training is critical to leadership development
(1) The model of Jesus
He did it and let his disciples watch
He did it and let his disciples help
He let his disciples do it, and he watched
He released his disciples to do it
(2) Most persons (75%-85% of any group) cannot translate cognitive learning into behavioral change
The Three Domains of Learning
| COGNITIVE | AFFECTIVE | PSYCHO-MOTOR |
| Requires a teacher | Uses a facilitator | Requires a coach |
| Communication is in a "fan shape" | Communication is in a circle | Communication is by demonstration |
| Logic | No logic | Repetition |
| Deals with knowledge | Deals with values | Deals with skills |
| Class | Experience | Practice |
(3) Follow Jesus' model
a. learn how to do
b. do it
c. let others see you do it
d. let them help you do it
e. let them do it and help them
f. release them to do it
(4) A leader is released when
a. they are spiritually mature enough to accept the responsibility
b. they have mastered the key micro skills
D. Everyone in leadership has an apprentice
(1) It ensures formational training
(2) It prepares for future growth
(3) It alleviates the leadership crisis
(4) It facilitates cell multiplication
First example:
Key questions
(1) who wants to leave?
(2) who wants to lead?
X
I
X = Leader
I = Individual in Group
= Pastoral Bond
= Interaction "One Another" Bond
N = New People
Assume new people who come into group and are bonded? The two questions cannot be addressed.
Second example:
Key questions
(1) who will be the new apprentice?
(2) what is the time frame for cell multiplication?
X = Cell Leader
Xa = Apprentice Leader
= Pastoral Bond
= "One Another" Bond
N = Bond to Xa. Forms
Nucleus for New Group
VII. Foundational Tasks of a Caring Cell
A. The care and development of existing believers (edification)
B. Expanding the care and ministry to those outside the group (evangelism)
Key Truth: If the love of God means anything at all there is always room for one more.
The prayer for the empty chair
It is natural to see evangelism occur through small groups when
(1) 70%+ of people in the church participate in a small group
(2) The group has members with the gift of evangelism
(3) The group plans regular activities to include non-Christians
While it is desirable all groups evangelize in the initial stages of cell development the natural "fishing pool" will be people in the church who are part of the crowd and with whom people in the group have developed a relationship.
C. The training of a new leader
(1) Within the context of a group, the apprentice is both a participant in the life of the group, and a leader in training
(2) If the cell is to birth a new group the apprentice must be seen as one who has been with us, and whom we have developed and trained, and now have the joy of releasing to cell ministry
D. The birthing of a new group
Fact: If a cell has not birthed a new cell within twelve months, the chances of doing so after that time are less than forty per cent, and then only if a radical paradigm shift occurs in the group
If a cell goes twenty-four months without birthing a new cell the chances of ever doing so drop to less than five per cent. Cases of cells birthing after two years are so few that a strategy based on cells birthing after twenty-four months are destined to fail
Objective: Based on the best data we have
(1) All groups need to have an apprentice before starting
(2) All groups should have a cell multiplication time of six to twelve months after the first meeting
(3) The care group coordinator's role is to insure that by regular counsel and attendance of the cell, the cells do not become self-centered and self-serving. As you work with your cell leaders help them
set goals for cell multiplication
pass onto them referrals to aid their growth
help spot potential leaders (a's)
help group leaders identify and resolve any growth restricting obstacles
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
Leadership Training
MODULE FOUR
LIFE IN A HEALTHY CELL
From The Sociological Perspective
I. Five Distinct Phases In the Life of a Group
A. Initial Structuring
It is at this stage that the vision of having a group and understanding what it can accomplish has been formed in the nucleus members (X, Xs, Xa, Xas). They then make a commitment to begin a group. The leader's energies are poured into the creative development of the cell. One to three other persons are recruited and join the group in this initial phase as they have caught the vision and/or feel the need. The group is not highly structured at this time and there is a great deal of participation and spontaneity in the decision making process. The expectations and the morale are both very high.
B. Formal Organization
The nucleus has now been gathered and the group begins to meet. In this early stage the balance of nomothetic (task of the group), and idiographic (needs of the individual) are often in conflict. Successful resolution of this conflict is essential for healthy group development. At this stage the group is still very flexible. The members all contribute and in a very real sense the function determines the form.
C. Maximum Efficiency
It is at this stage the group has bonded sufficiently to accomplish its ministry internally, (edification, leadership development, nurture and care) and externally (apprentice release, group multiplication, empty chair, outreach activity). The group will grow during this period to its optimum attendance. The self esteem of the group is high, the morale is excellent and there is a real sense of accomplishment. There is a contagious enthusiasm and feeling that the group satisfies my needs (idiographic) and fulfills the purposes of God (nomothetic).
One danger at this level is that new members although bonded to the group and participating in one another ministry do not grasp the larger vision of all that a Christ-centered cell group could accomplish. Anything that would seemingly threaten the possibility of their needs being met will prompt their resistance.
Another danger is the leader becomes protective of their success and replaces the twin desires of releasing an apprentice and birthing a new cell with the desire to keep all "their people"
D. Institutional Stage
At this stage a significant portion of the group does not understand the group's purpose and function and are not supportive of the leaders' plans. Quite often the responsibility for this falls on the leader as they assume that somehow the purpose and understanding of how the group functions will be picked up by osmosis and they do not take regular time to refocus and reeducate the group.
As the group has probably grown to somewhere near its optimum size it becomes easier for problems like, the silent member, the antagonistic member, or the dominant member to destroy the life of a group.
The leader often becomes consumed with their role of "running a meeting" at this stage and the genuine one to one pastoral care of the members is sacrificed. It is not unusual for example to see missing members not called. The "one another" concept of ministry has been abandoned and either the leader or someone else does all the ministry.
The group now has some serious problems with morale and the group's self esteem is shrinking.
There is an inflexibility with form now determining function.
E. Disintegration Stage
At this stage the original vision and purpose of the group has faded into the background or disappeared entirely. The cost benefit equation is now clearly on the cost side. It becomes much easier for members to miss the primary gathering of the group. The leader is beginning to wonder if the group should continue to meet. When a group reaches this stage it is only a matter of time before it ceases to exist.
II. The Changing Focus of a Healthy Cell
From the Shepherd's Training Manual by R. Neighbour, Jr.
A. On the group
Members focus on the idea of a group and make the decision to try it out.
B. On self
The members focus on what the group will do, and can do for them (cost benefit).
C. On Christ
Members lay personal needs down and focus on Christ (who he is, what he has done, what he can do).
D. On the lost
Christ turns the attention of the group outward in ministry (EGR, empty chair, unreached, uninvolved).
E. On Growth
The group now experiences the joy of birth (new cells formed new leaders released).
III. A Small Group Matrix
Interpersonal TRUE BLUE
Dynamics Interpersonal:
We and Us
Support
O Acceptance
P Insight
E Love
N
E Task:
S Quality
S Problem Solving
Solid Work
Synergy
HOT RED Feedback
Interpersonal:
Me versus You
C Competition
O Conflict
N Excess Demands
T Task:
R Testing Ideas
O Facts
L Idea
Goal Ownership
COOL GREEN Information
Interpersonal:
Me
I Testing
N Dependence
C Fear
L
U
S
I Task:
O Ground Rules
N Agenda
Problem Identification
Task
Dynamics ORIENTATION DATA GENERATION PROBLEM SOLVING
IV. Healthy and Unhealthy Models of Cell Life
DYSFUNCTIONAL (Unhealthy) CELL
I Wear Masks
I Earn Forgiveness
I Must Perform
I Judge Myself, and You
I Control
False
Evidence
Don't Trust Appearing
Don't Feel Real
Don't Share FOCUSED
ON SELF
Expectations Hurts
Old Tapes
Circumstances Strongholds
Feelings
Needs
Fear of Rejection
Fear of Broken Confidences
Fear of Manipulation
FUNCTIONAL (Healthy) CELL
The stated purpose may be
CHRIST
It's OK to Trust Fellowship Edification
It's OK to Feel Evangelism
It's OK to Talk . . . but Christ is really
secondary to self interests
FOCUSED
ON
CHRIST
Fellowship Edification
(Koinonia) TRUST (Oikodomeo)
Philippians 2:5-8
We Are Under Grace!
We Are Accepted!
We Are forgiven!
We Are Loved!
We Are Free!
Reprinted from The Shepherd's Training Manual
by Ralph Neighbour, Jr.
Evangelism
V. The Basic Needs of People In a Group
A. A sense of belonging
a feeling that no one objects to their presence
a feeling that they are sincerely welcome
a feeling that they are honestly needed, wanted, and appreciated
B. To have a share in planning the goals of the group
"Good goals are my goals. Bad goals are your goals"
C. To feel the goals are within reach and that they make sense
D. To feel that what is being done has real purpose, and contributes to human welfare
E. To share in making the rules of the group
People not only want ownership of the end (goal), but the process used to achieve those goals. Soliciting the input of group members as to how, as well as what is extremely important.
F. To know in some clear detail what is expected of them so they can participated and work with confidence.
G. To have responsibilities that challenge them, and that are within the range of their abilities and interest.
These will help the individual grow and move the group towards goal accomplishment.
H. To see that real progress is being made towards the goals.
I. To be kept informed
Group members will not participate, support, contribute towards the goals of the group if the leaders fail to keep the members informed or fail to answer questions with honesty and candor. Remember: People oppose that which they do not understand.
J. To have confidence in the group and its leadership
VI. Ten Things That Happen Best in a Small Group
(1) A Close family
(2) Application of the Bible to daily life
(3) Sharing of life's testimony
(4) Effective one to one pastoral care
(5) Encouragement and edification
(6) Unlimited opportunities for meaningful service
(7) Non threatening friendship evangelism
(8) Formation of new converts
(9) Spiritual growth
(10) Development of strong leadership
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
Leadership Training
MODULE FIVE
HELPING GROUPS FUNCTION PRODUCTIVELY
I. A Healthy Cell Knows Its Objectives Clearly
A. Every individual wants to be nurtured and cared for
This includes the activities that occur during the weekly gathering as well as the pastoral work occurring outside the regular meeting
B. Reaching the uninvolved with the good news of Christ's love
Remember, if the love of God is real and means anything there is always room for one more. Self-centered love concentrates only on those within. Christ's love includes the outsider.
C. Helping raise up, and release a new leader
The apprentice is not only part of the cell, he/she is a leader involved in the formational training to equip them for cell leadership
D. Birthing a new cell
Twenty-two to thirty meetings is the normal time it takes a group to bond, minister, grow, train a leader and multiply
II. A Healthy Cell Knows What Atmosphere Needs to be Created
A. Love and acceptance
B. Safety and trust
(1) The circle of confession is the circle of ministry
(2) When trust has been broken it must be rebuilt before the group can move back to normalcy in the relationships
C. Empathy and comfort
Weep with those that weep; laugh with those who laugh
D. Hope and encouragement
E. Power and control
People in a healthy cell develop strength, and a sense they are no longer victims but victors through Christ
F. Openness and honesty
In a healthy cell, masks are unnecessary. The truth, however, is not a weapon but is spoken in love
G. Freedom of expression
The normal range of human emotions are felt and expressed
H. Information and perspective
III. Five Stages of a Healthy Cell Meeting
Dr. Ralph W. Neighbour, Jr. has outlined four stages of a cell meeting (see figure 1, page 74). It is his, and my, conviction that an effective cell meeting has progression. My modification of his flow comes in the third phase of the meeting which he calls the edification time. In his culture (Singapore) the leader does very little teaching but much ministry. In our culture the cost benefit equation demands the edification time include both the edification (teaching/application) and ministry times. So in our matrix we have identified five, rather than four phases (Figures 2-6). In revising the charts, Figure 1 is an overview of the micro phases. Figures two through six; look at the various phases in micro. The additional chart I have added is Figure 4 and 5. Figure 7 puts the micro phases together in the macro plan for a healthy cell.
A. Person to person (see Figure 2, page 75)
(1) Its purpose is the building of relationships
(2) It lasts up to twenty minutes
(3) It may use formal icebreaker activities (pages 83-95)
(4) Light refreshments are usually served
B. Worship time (Figure 3, page 76)
(1) The purpose is to bond the relationship with each other, and with God, through worship. Jesus is in the house.
(2) Allow ten to fifteen minutes
(3) It may take a variety of formats
C. The edification time (Figure 4, page 77)
(1) Its purpose is to help people apply the Bible to life and thereby work out their relationships
(2) Normally lasts up to thirty minutes
(3) The teaching/input time should focus on one truth or issue at a time
(4) Approximately half the time is spent deductively or inductively in study. Balance of the time is application.
D. Ministry time (Figure 5, page 78)
(1) Its purpose is to allow the "one another" ministry to occur
(2) Prayer requests and concerns may be shared
(3) Gifts of the Spirit are exercised
(4) The key question for a leader to address before this ministry time concludes is, Is there anything we should be doing so our love is more than words?
(5) Ministry time is approximately twenty to thirty minutes
E. Share the vision (see Figure 6, page 79)
(1) The purpose is to focus the group on its larger ministry as part of the family of Faith and our ministry in the world as ambassadors of Christ
(2) Any announcements affecting the group, and any business of the group is conducted here
(3) Time frame involved is five to ten minutes
It has been the experience of cell groups around the world that the time frame in which a cell meets should be in the 90-minute range. In the context of our culture there is a 2.5-hour window from about 7:00 to 9:30 pm in which the cells can meet. While this is not a hard and fast rule, most groups meeting in homes during the week would do best to choose a ninety minute time slot within that range.
The following charts developed by Ralph W. Neighbour, Jr./adapted by Robert Orr
| GROP | LIFE | MICRO | |||||
| "BEST MOOD" | LEADING "TO | and GOOD WORK | GOOD WORK | ||||
| 8 BONDING 7 6 WILLING 5 COMFORT | |||||||
| LEVEL 4 3 2 1 DISORIENTED | |||||||
| TIME (ml) | 10 20 | 30 40 | 50 60 | 70 80 | 90 | ||
| STAGES | ICE BREAKER | WORSHIP | EDIFICATION | MINISTRY | SHARE the VISION | ||
| AIM: RESULTS: | Man to Man Building Relationships | Man to God Bonding Relationships | God to Man Developing Relationships | God to Man Working Out Relationships | Believer to Unbeliever Building Outside Relationships |
Figure 2
Figure 3
Here is what happens when the worship time
has been poorly planned. If the leader is not
in touch with Christ, or poorly prepared. The
worship is flat.
Figure 4
In this illustration the leader has not given time to the study of God's word. Without this growing scriptural base the ministry remains shallow and the same problems reappear.
The ministry time is either left to the few "spiritual ones," and the one-another ministry does not develop. People leaver after a time because the cost-benefit equation is on the negative side.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
| GRO | P DY | NAMI | |||||
| CELL MEMBERS | GOAL: | Building Up | |||||
| 14 BONDING 12 10 WILLING 8 COMFORT | This is an example of a healthy shepherd group. They begin with four or five, and continually grow, reaching an average of twelve in attendance as they leave the conflict stage. Gradually they peak at fourteen or fifteen, and are ready to multiply into two groups. | ||||||
| LEVEL 6 4 2 DISORIENTED | Please compare the macro and micro charts. Integrate what happens in a weekly meeting with what happens in the life of a group. If bonding has happened in both cases, the group will be effective. | ||||||
| TIME (wks) | 2 4 | 6 8 10 | 12 14 | 16 18 20 22 24 | 26 29 | ||
| GROUP LIFE: | HISTORY GIVING GET ACQUAINTED | AFFIRMING/CONGEALING CONFLICT | GOAL SETTING COMMUNITY | KOINONIA OUTREACH | MULTIPLYING PERIOD | ||
| AIM: RESULTS: | Man to Man Building Relationships | Man to God Bonding Relationships | God to Man Working Out Relationships | Believer to Unbeliever Revealing Our Relationships |
IV. Questions for Care Leaders Preparing a Meeting
A. People
Who is attending, and why? List all the people coming, with one need or request for each person. Pray for each person, and the group as a whole.
B. Arrangements
What needs to be accomplished to prepare for the time together? What arrangements need to be made regarding the location, children, seating, Bibles, refreshments, music, supplies, etc. Who will do it? Are you sure?
C. Relationships
How can I help the people feel cared for and caring? What will I do to build positive relationships among members of the group? Do I understand how it will happen during the meeting outside the meeting? What am I doing to prepare my apprentice for the meeting? Is there anything my apprentice should do during the meeting? Is there anything I should be doing pastorally before the meeting?
D. Discussion
What are the questions I will use to help people; discover truth, apply truth? What will I do to draw silent members into the discussion? How will I help new members enter into our study? What will I do with a dominant member?
E. Prayer
What are the goals for the prayer time? How much time? What kind of prayer will be used? Who will pray and when? What can I do to make our prayer time more productive? What can I do to insure our prayers are more than words?
F. Time
What time is available and how will I use it? What is our "real starting time", "ending time?" How firm am I? How will I open and close each segment of the meeting? Have I thought through my transitions? Am I prepared for the unexpected? Do I want to ask others to take responsibility for different parts of the meeting?
V. Ten Things That Kill a Group
A. Spiritual smugness or condescension
B. Discussions that focus on opinions rather than personal application of God's word
C. Criticism of people inside/outside the group
D. Betraying confidences
E. Lack of encouragement from the leader (build up; don't beat up)
F. The leader who acts as an expert rather than a facilitating leader. It is not a sign of weakness to say, I don't know
G. Pointing members to oneself instead of Christ. Personality centered groups eventually harm everyone in the group
H. Poor meeting place. Pay attention to atmosphere
I. Repeated lateness or absenteeism
J. Focusing on those who did not come instead of those who did
(1) When in the group, focus on who is there
(2) After the meeting minister to those who were not
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
RESOURCE
ICE BREAKERS
(1) Appointments
Give everybody a few minutes to make three appointments with others in the group; one at 3:00 pm, one for 6:00 pm, and one at 9:00 pm. After that have everyone stand in a circle. When you shout "3:00 pm", everybody meets their 3 pm appointment, and find out one, two, or three things about each other. After a short time shout, "6:00 pm", and then again, "9:00 pm." Following the 9 pm time have people share what they find out about each other.
This game can also be used for introduction, where people introduce other people, instead of themselves.
(2) Atlas
Arrange everyone in a circle. Someone say the name of any country, city, river, ocean or mountain that could be found in an atlas. The person next to him/her must then say another name that begins with the last letter of the word that has just been given. Example: First person .. Auckland
Second person .. Denver
Third person .. Rotorua
Each person has a definite time limit (e.g. three seconds), and no names can be repeated.
(3) Balloon Blow-Up
Have everyone pair up with another person. Give each person a balloon. Each pair designates a left and a right person. The partners stand facing each other about six inches apart. When you call "left", the left person blows into his balloon. Give himher a few seconds, then call "right", the right person then blows into their balloon. Do this repeatedly. The idea is to literally blow up the balloon in the partner's face before heher can blow up his/hers.
(4) Balloons in the Air
Give everyone an inflated balloon. The balloons should be in different colors, or with identifiable marks on them. Everyone tosses hisher balloon in the air, and tries to keep it in the air as long as possible. In the meantime, heshe must try to get everyone else's balloons to touch the floor. When a person's balloon touches the floor, they are out. The person who keeps his balloon in the air the longest, wins.
(5) Banana Duel
Have everyone pair up, and tie their left wrist together. Give each a banana to hold in their left hand. When you say "go", they peel the banana with only their right hand, and try to push it in their partner's face/mouth. You may want to do this blindfolded to add excitement.
(6) Battle of the Nuts
Give each person a peanut and have them pair up. They should try to crack their partner's peanut by pushing their peanuts against one another. Those with cracked peanuts are out. Do this in round until only one, or a few, peanut is left not cracked.
(7) Bible Mime
Divide the group into teams of three to six members. Every team selects one biblical event to pantomime for the other players. The others try to identify the Bible stories being enacted. Variation: Scripture passages are cited on slips of paper and drawn from a box for performance.
(8) Big Sculpture
Divide the group into two. Give each team five large garbage bags and as many blown-up balloons as possible. Have them create a huge human figure by putting the blown-up balloons in the bags and attaching the bags together within a definite time limit. The best sculpture wins.
(9) Blinded by Money
Pair everyone up and form a big circle. Give each pair two coins. One person in each pair tilts his head back and places a coin on each eye-lid with eyes closed (no peeping!). Put a large container (e.g. a garbage can) in the center of the circle. The object is for each person to dump their coins into the container, following the verbal direction of their partner. No physical guiding by the partner is allowed. If any coin drops, the person should pick it up and start all over again. The fun comes when all the pairs go at once, crowding around the container, blinded by money, trying to hear their partner's direction.
(10) Brain Teasers
Hand out copies of any of the following I.Q. tests. Each block represents a well known phrase or saying. You may divide a large group into teams of three or four. Give a time limit. The team with the most correct answers wins.
| Plasma H20 | High Clouds | 1 3 5 7 9 Whelming |
| EILNPU | Pict Res | Headache |
| Arrest You're | Employ ment | LESODUB Tennis |
Answers: Blood is thicker than water
Line up
You're under arrest
High above the clouds
You ought to be in the pictures
Men out of workjobemployment
Overwhelming odds
Splitting headache
Mixed doubles tennis
| KJUSTK | WRitNG | LOV |
| T RN | 24 Hours | B ILL ED |
| Pets A | Gettingitall | 1 T 3 4 5 6 |
Answers: Just in case
No U turn
A step backward
Put it in writing
Call it a day
Getting it all together
Endless love
Ill/Sick in bed
Tea for two
(11) Campus Life Word List Game
Give everyone a piece of paper and ask them to write down as many words as possible from the letters in the words "CAMPUS LIFE" (e.g. camp, camps, us, came, etc.). No proper names or slang words are allowed. You may use other longer words and have the people work in pairs or small groups.
(12) Can You Follow Instructions?
A read and do test Time limit: 3 minutes
1. Read all that follows before doing anything
2. Write your name in the upper right-hand corner of this page
3. Circle the word "corner" in sentence two
4. Draw five small squares in upper left hand corner of this page
5. Put an "X" on each square
6. Put a circle around each square
7. Sign your name under line 5
8. After your name, write "yes, yes, yes"
9. Put a circle around number 7
10. Put an "X" in the lower left-hand corner of this page
11. Draw a triangle around the "X" you just made
12. Call out your first name when you get to this point
13. On the reverse side of this paper, add 6950 and 9805
14. Put a circle around your answer
15. Now that you have finished reading carefully, do only number one and two
Please be quiet and observe the others follow instructions!
(13) Coordinated Jump
Have the entire group get in a circle. Everyone put their arms over the shoulders of the persons on their left and right. On the word "GO" everyone must jump (feet off the ground) at the same instant. The ones who do not (too fast or too slow) go out of the group. Repeat until only a few are remaining. These are the winners.
(14) Core Group
Divide the group into teams of five or six. Have one person in each team begin with an apple in his mouth (roast pig style). At the signal, he passes the apple to the person on the right. As the second person takes the apple with his mouth (no hands allowed), the first person takes a bite out of it. The second person passes it on to the next person who takes it with his mouth, while the second person takes a bite out of it. At the end of the time limit, the team that has eaten most of their apple wins.
(15) Disclosure
Procure a soft ball. Arrange the participants in a circle. Throw the ball to one person and ask the individual to disclose something unusual about himself. He can then throw the ball to anyone he chooses and repeat the process.
(16) Donut Whole
Divide the group into teams. Have each team choose a leader. The teams are then split into halves and positioned on both sides of the room with the leader in the middle. Each leader is given a donut, preferably the sticky one which he places on one index finger. At the signal, he crosses back and forth with the donut on the finger, giving team members bites. The winner is the team which had everyone bite the donut, leaving the least donut at the end with the ring intact.
(17) Do This and Add Something
Get everyone in a circle. One person starts off by performing an action (e.g. scratching his head). The person on his right must then repeat it and add another action. The game goes on with each having to repeat all the previous actions in order, then adding one. If a player misses an action or gets fouled up, he is out. You can go as many rounds as you want.
(18) Funny Faces
Have the participants arrange themselves in a circle. An appointed player turns to the person next to him and makes a funny face or assumes a funny posture. That person then mimics the gesture, passing it on quickly to the next person, and so on around the circle. When the funny face has completed the circuit, another person begins, until all or as many persons as possible have had a chance to initiate the face-making.
(19) Garbage Pass Relay
Divide into teams. Each team tries to pass a paper garbage bag down to the end of their line. It is placed over the head of the first person in line. When the go signal is given, the second person in line goes under the bag with the first person. As soon as the first person gets out, the third person goes under the bag with the second. The process continues until the bag gets all the way to the end of the line.
(20) Grumble, Grumble
This game provides an opportunity for release of tensions. Pair up all participants. Instruct participants to talk simultaneously, sharing any complaints, reservations, resentments, grievances, irritants or concerns they have on their minds. When one member runs out of issues to disclose, he is then to say, grumble, grumble until all participants are done. Call a halt to the exercise when it is apparent the negative energy has dissipated and only superficial "grumbling" is present.
(21) Hat Trick
Form a circle. Put a derby type hat on one person. The object is for him to get it on the next person's head without using hands, arms, teeth or legs. You may divide the group into two and have a competition.
(22) Hog Tied
Divide the group into two or three. Have them sit in a circle facing outward. Give each group a ball of string or yarn of equal length. At the signal, the groups are to wrap themselves up securely in the string. The group finishing first, wins.
(23) How Are You Feeling?
Give everyone a piece of blank paper (same size). Flash the following words, either written on a big piece of paper or on a transparency.
Anxiety
Forgiveness
Sorrow
Peace
Love
Healing
Pain
Acceptance
Guilt
Rejected
Comfort
Hope
Ask everyone to write down on his paper the word that describes either how he is feeling or what he wants Jesus to bring to him now. Place all the papers in the center of the group and mix them well. Pick up a piece of paper. Read the word on the paper and open up the time for anyone in the group to share a phrase or verse which might encourage the person whose paper has been picked. You may select as many papers as you have time.
(24) Human Spider Web
Divide the group into teams of six to eight persons. Have each team move to a location that allows them to stand in a small circle. Instruct members of each group to extend their right hands across the circle and grasp the left hands of the other members who are approximately opposite them. Then have them extend their left hands across the circle and grasp the right hands of other individuals. Inform them their task is to unravel the spider web of interlocking arms without letting go of anyone's hands. They will be competing with the other groups to see who finishes the task first.
(25) I Packed My Trunk for China
The first player says, I packed by trunk for China and took an apple (or any other object that begins the "A"). The next player repeats the sentence, including the "A" word and adds a "B" word. Each successive player recites the sentence with all the alphabetical items, adding one of his own (e.g. I packed my trunk for China and took an apple and some bread). The player continues as long as they can or until they have completed the alphabet.
(26) I'm Glad I'm Here
Tell the group that you are glad to be there. Then say, If I am not here today, I will
be . . . (share something you are glad you do not have to do, such as wash your car). Then go around the room asking, If you were not here today, what would you be doing that you are glad you do not have to? Try to keep the answers light and fast moving.
(27) Innovative Introduction
You can do any of the following or all of them:
1. Instruct everyone to take two items (e.g. family photo, credit card) from their purse, wallet, or pockets. Then use the items to introduce or say something about themselves.
2. Ask each person to state his name and attach an adjective that not only describes a dominant characteristic, but also starts with the first letter of his name (e.g. Martin marvelous Martin, Siew Ling lovely Ling).
3. Have everyone share a nickname they now have, once had, or would like to have and then explain the reason or story behind the name.
(28) Instant Stunt
As each person enters the room, he receives a slip of paper with a silly stunt described on it (e.g. stand on a chair, bark like a dog, dance around). When the signal is given, all participants perform their stunt simultaneously. Give them a few minutes to look at one another and laugh.
(29) Knocking Off Hats
Put some hats or caps in the middle of the room. Ask everyone to choose one and put it on (you can also ask everyone to bring a hat or cap of their choice to the meeting). Give everyone a rolled up newspaper. They must hit each other's hat off without losing their own. They are not allowed to hold their own hats on.
(30) Leader of the Band
Ask all participants to stand up and make sufficient room around themselves so as not to interfere with free movement of their arms. Then tell them they are the conductor of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Have them close their eyes. Play a selection of music and ask them all to simultaneously lead the orchestra. (This works best if you have carefully selected the music. Try as much as possible to make sure the music is familiar to all and is relatively fast-paced to stimulate energetic directing.) After a while, when they have begun conducting freely, ask them to do it with their eyes open. Help them to relax and enjoy themselves as they do so.
(31) Magic Circle
This icebreaker can be used to illustrate the multiplicity of word meanings. Divide the group into teams of five to seven people. On a prepared set of 3"x5" cards, a
series of words or phrases are written (one on each card e.g. motivation, put-down, I feel good when . . .). The team leader pulls a card out and a few persons are asked to state what the word means to them, or in the case of sentence completion, continue the statement.
(32) My Favorites
Give everybody a copy of "Exercise in Self-Disclosure." Give them a few minutes to fill it in. Have everyone share what they have written. Then suggest that their answers to question #1 provides clues to how other people view them and their answers to question #2 provide clues to how they view themselves and see how they react to your suggestions!
An Exercise in Self-Disclosure
1. Name your favorite color _____________________________________
Describe it in three words (e.g. blue it is cool, relaxing, distant)
a.
b.
c.
2. If you could pose (safely) with an animal of your choice in the
Singapore Zoo, what animal would it be? ________________________
Describe three characteristics of the animal (e.g. tiger strong, tense,
dangerous)
a.
b.
c.
(33) Newspaper Talk
Give everybody some newspaper. Ask everyone to express, through the newspaper, how they feel or how their day has been. For example: crumble the newspaper to express frustration, etc.
(34) Object in Question
Two players privately select an object in the room. They then discuss it with each other while the other players listen and try to guess what it is. When the object is discovered, another two players select an object. Variation: For an extra challenge, choose an object not in the room.
(35) Old Aunt Amy
The purpose of this game is to guess whether Old Aunt Amy died last night. The
leader will begin by saying the phrase, Old Aunt Amy, she died last night, she dies last night. Did she die? He then points to anybody in the group. The person then says either, yes or no. If the leader says, listen carefully before he says the phrase, then the answer is "yes," if he omits, "listen carefully," then the answer is "no." If he answers wrongly, he is out. The leader then repeats the phrase and points to another person.
(36) People Bingo
Give each person a piece of paper containing one of the following charts:
| Wears size 6 shoes | Likes pizza | Has two daughters | Has the number five in his telephone # |
| Is left-handed | Birthday is in December | Favorite color is yellow | Drives a blue car |
| Plays tennis | Went to thecinema last week | Has a pet dog | Name begins with "J" |
| Born in April | Sings in shower | Talk in your sleep | Did not make bed today |
| Reads "Peanuts" | Takes Nap | Loves ice cream | Watch cartoons |
| Belongs to a health club | Snores when you sleep | Never changed a diaper | Detective story fan |
Give them a time limit and send them loose to find someone with the relevant description. The one with the most squares filled up wins.
(37) People to People
Each player finds a partner and joins the group in a circle except the leader who stands in the center. The leader snaps his fingers, chanting, people to people and the others join him. Whenever he desires, the leader changes his chant to, hand to hand or toes with toes, etc. The leader goes through the various body parts, and then shouts, people to people. This is the signal for everyone to find a new partner, including the leader. One player is left without a partner and becomes the new leader. Players try to have a different partner and a different leader each time. The leader is more challenging if the leader names two different body parts, for example, hand to foot.
(38) Pick an Animal
Ask the group, If you have to select one of the following animals to describe how this group has reshaped your life, what would you pick?
Colorful Peacock Because you have told me I am beautiful and I have started to believe it and it is changing my life.
Lovable Hippopotamus Because you have let me surface and bask in the warm sunshine of God's love.
Black Panther Because you have helped me to look very closely at myself and see some of the spots . . . and you have told me it is okay to be this way.
Dancing Bear Because you have taught me to dance in the midst of pain, and you have helped me to reach out and hug again.
Roaring Lion Because you have let me get down off my perch and roll in the grass, and not even worry about my mane.
Wild Eagle Because you have helped to heal my wings, and taught me how to soar again.
Towering Giraffe Because you have helped me to hold my head up and stick my neck out.
All-weather Duck Because you have taught me to enjoy the weather (even on rainy days) and to celebrate the hard times like a duck in a storm.
Ostrich in Love Because you have loved me so much that I have taken my head out of the sand and found a whole new reason for living.
(39) Portrait of my Job
Give everyone a sketch paper. Ask them to draw a picture of their job(s) or organization. Pictures can be of TV shows, sports or anything that describes their perceptions. Have everyone, or volunteers, explain their sketch to the rest.
(40) Reverse Pointing
Pair up everybody. One person points to any part of his body and says the name of another, e.g. he points to the ear and says, eye. His partner must then point to his eye, and says, ear. Those who fail to respond correctly will be out.
(41) Siblings
Ask the group to divide themselves into four groups with these subsets:
1. If they were the eldest in the family
2. If they were the youngest in the family
3. If they were any place in the middle
4. If they were an only child
As the participants seek out their respective groups, ask them to recall what they liked and disliked about their respective places in their growing up days. In retrospect, would they have preferred a different place?
(42) Standing Ovation
Invite everyone to stand up and spread out (approximately an arm's length apart). Tell them to make sure they are awake and receptive to the forthcoming session, you will lead them in an exercise designed to help get their blood moving rapidly, and stimulate the nerve endings in their hands.
Direct them to stretch their arms out at their sides (horizontally from their bodies). When they have all done so properly, then ask them to rapidly bring their hands together, then back to their sides (repeating the two-step sequence about ten times in rapid succession).
Conclude by telling the group you are not sure how much better they feel now, but you feel really good because this is the first time you have begun a session to a standing ovation!
(43) Stand Up
Sit on the ground with your partner, backs together, feet in front of you, and arms linked. Then try to stand up together. After you succeed add another twosome and try again. Keep adding people until your whole group is trying to stand together.
(44) Tactile Copier
The players arrange themselves in a line. A diagram is shown to the last person in line. This person uses his finger to reconstruct the image on the back of the person in front of him. Each player in turn passes the image onto the next person in line by tracing it on his back. The person at the head of the line draws the diagram on a piece of paper for the group to compare with the original drawing. The game can be repeated after the players rotate their positions. Variation: After passing on the image, each player draws the diagram as he perceives it. The group then compares their drawings.
(45) Talk About
Choose one or more topics and give everyone a few minutes to share:
1. The happiest moment of my life
2. The last time I got mad was . . .
3. Where I lived between the age of seven to twelve years old
4. When God became more than a word to me
5. The best thing that happened to me this past week
(46) Telephone
As players sit in a circle, someone whispers a message to the person next to him, who in turn repeats it to the next player and so on around the circle. Each player whispers the message only once. When the message has completed its circuit, the last person repeats it aloud for comparison with the original message. The game can be repeated so as many people as possible can start message. Variation: The leader whispers two messages, sending one to the right and one to the left.
(47) The New Millionaire
Assemble the group in a circle. Inform them they have now each been given a gift of one million dollars. Ask a few persons to indicate how they would use their newly gained fortune.
Have other people share on the topics:
1. If you could take a free two week trip to any place in the world, where would it be?
2. If you could become the leader of any country in the world, what would it be, and
why?
3. If you could travel on a time machine to any era in time, what would it be, and
why?
4. If you could talk to any one person now living, who would it be?
(48) Throw Away Your Troubles
Have each person think of a question, problem, or concern. Giver everyone a piece of paper and ask them to write their anonymous problem on it. Place a container (box or pail) in the center of the room. Ask them to crumple up their paper and throw it in the container with whatever expression or sound they want.
(49) Treasure Hunt
Hand out the following form to each attendee and ask everyone to find at least one similar and one dissimilar trait with four persons. After everyone has finished, invite those who find interesting traits to share.
Name______________________________________________________________
TREASURE HUNT
Name Alike Difference
1.
2.
3.
4.
(50) Thumb Fight
Have everyone pair up and hold hands (fingers into fingers hold). Their thumbs should be down by the sides. When you say, ready, they hold their thumbs up touching each other. At the signal, go, they push each other's thumb and try to knock down their partner's thumb. The one who gets knocked down is out. Play for as long as you want or until only one or a few "winners" remain.
(51) Who Am I?
Prepare pieces of paper with a Bible character or nursery rhyme character or an animal, etc. written on them. Pin a piece of the papers on a participant. The participant then has to discover who he is by asking questions to the group. The questions must only be answered with yes or no response. You may limit the number of questions he can ask.
(52) Who Am I?
Give the group a few minutes to search the surrounding area to find something they feel represents some of their characteristics or expresses who they are. Call on each participant to show what he selected and explain why (e.g. I picked a rock because it is strong, smooth and old).
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
MODULE SIX
SELECTING AND DEVELOPING NEW LEADERS
I. Biblical Foundations
A. To aspire to lead is an honorable ambition
1 Timothy 3:1
B. Leadership is not
Luke 22:24-27
(1) Seeking or loving preeminence
(2) Rivalry or a competition to see who wins
(3) An authoritarian attitude
(4) Cultic control of other's minds or behavior
(5) The number of people who serve you
(6) A position without performance
(7) The outgrowth of human magnetism
C. Leadership is
1 Thessalonians 2:1-14
(1) Motherhood
verse 7
gentle (heroi); one who has the patience to work with those who do not want to learn
nursing mother (thropos); giving the nourishment that only a nursing mother can give to a baby. It is the kind of nourishment which is life sustaining and growth producing
cherish (thalape); to soften by heat. The picture is loving people with the warmth of God's love so their hearts become soft enough for the imprint of God's character to be impressed upon them
(2) Fatherhood
verse 11
example; not telling but showing
exhortation; to motivate towards the right path
encouragement; to put your arms underneath and lift up
implore; to persuade with tears
(3) Seeing if any one is following
verse 14
(4) Performance; is there fruit that remains
verse 14
(5) Paying the price
verse 9
II. Jethro's Requirements for Leadership
Exodus 18
A. Capable do they have the ability or the gifts that can be developed?
B. Fear of God spirituality; do they seek after God?
C. Trustworthy can their word be counted on? Do they have good relationships with others?
D. Hate dishonest gain do they maintain high ethical standards?
III. Portrait of a Spiritual Leader
A. Owns the vision
B. Heart for God
(1) Obedience to God
(2) Dependence on God
C. Heart for people
(1) High priority for people
(2) Attitude towards people
D. Committed to God's word
(1) Knowing God's word
(2) Applying God's word
E. Set the pace
(1) Early adopter
(2) Hears from God
F. Discipline and growth
(1) In finances
(2) In Christian basics
G. Lead by serving
H. F.A.S.T.
Faithful
Available
Submissive
Teach ability
I. Tenacity
(1) Do not quit
(2) Not easily discouraged
J. Internally motivated
(1) A sense of destiny
(2) Certitude
They know they are in the will of God doing the work of God
IV. Steps in Selecting Leaders
A. Make a list of the key people in the church that you would know on a first name basis
B. Look for those who you believe best reflect the qualities/gifts necessary for this kind of leadership
(Praying for insight and direction is critical)
C. Pray for those on the list you believe God has directed you to that he would prepare their hearts to hear
D. Set up an appointment with them to discuss the ministry of caring
E. Give them a copy of the ministry description, review it with them, answer any questions, and pray with them about their involvement
F. Set up a firm time to get back with them. Ask them to continue to pray about it and covenant with them in prayer
G. If they respond positively you have found a prospective leader. If they decline thank them for their interest and make sure to invite them to participate in a cell.
H. Repeat this process until you have found sufficient leaders
I. If you have any difficulty or need any suggestions please contact me at the church office, (818) 960-6334
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION
CARE GROUP COORDINATOR
BIBLICAL BASIS
Exodus 18:21
Leader of fifty units (persons or couples) that are divided into and led by five CARE group leaders.
VISION
(1) That the Faith Community Church vision component small enough to care and creatively nurturing people to love God and share his love be a reality through the pastoral ministry of the CARE Group Coordinator as heshe leads the five cell group leaders under hisher authority.
(2) That through a leadership/apprentice model of formational training leadership is trained and released so that a new unit of fifty can be established.
(3) That hundreds of Christ-centered CARE groups be raised up so "His lost sheep may be found" (evangelism) and that "His sheep be nurtured" (edification).
(4) That Faith Community Church be a model of pastoral care/growth that God can use to his glory.
(5) That every CARE Group Coordinator grow and mature in their walk with Christ so ministry will be a delight rather than drudgery.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
(1) Approval by Faith Community's pastoral leadership.
(2) LeadershipPastoral giftstalents.
(3) A willingness to fulfil the requirements of the ministry responsibilities.
(4) Completion of the eight-to-ten week Leadership Development Training Course for CARE Group Coordinators.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) By personal example be able to say, as Paul did to the church, "Follow me as I follow Christ."
(2) To pray regularly and consistently for your mentor(s) small group staff, and those you mentor small group leaders.
(3) To personally find one person or couple you can mentor. (Important: All L(a) positions require the approval of the Small Group Director.)
(4) Complete (within the 1994 calendar year) courses #101 (Basic Training), #201 (Advanced Training), and #301 (Discover Your SHAPE), phases of the church's leadership developmental process.
(5) To be responsible, in conjunction with the small group staff, to select, train, mentor, up to five CARE leaders who will each care for up to ten persons.
(6) To spend regular time with each CARE Group Leader to pastor/care for them.
(7) Be available to counsel one-on-one any CARE Group Leader or, upon their recommendation, individuals/couples from their group.
(8) Visit at least two of the cells under your care, monthly, and debrief with the CARE Group Leader your observations.
(9) Complete and submit a monthly progress and prayer report to the small group staff (provided).
(10) Communicate with the small group staff and keep them appraised of any needs, trends, problems, so early resolution can be sought.
(11) Help the CARE Group Leaders in the selection of appropriate resources/curriculum for their group meetings.
(12) Other ministry as per the Holy Spirit's direction for the encouragement, edification of individuals and groups under your care.
POSITION SUPPORT
As a CARE group staff person, I and my apprentices, together called the CARE Group Staff, will:
(1) Uphold you regularly and constantly in prayer.
(2) Plan regular one-on-one time with you for your personal growth and development.
(3) Conduct a monthly CARE meeting for you.
(4) Be available as an on call resource to you.
(5) Assist you in the selection and training of leaders.
(6) Conduct quarterly training to sharpen your skills.
(7) Visit cells with you that you may deem necessary to help evaluate, keep leaders on track, get back on track, teach/encourage the group, etc.
LONG TERM OBJECTIVE
That in accordance with the scriptural mandate of leaders being proved. At the end of one year if the following are accomplished you will be set apart as a lay pastor.
(1) Personal recommendation of small group staff as to your faithfulness and character.
(2) Completion of Faith Community's leadership training courses #101, #201 and #301.
(3) Completion of all training.
(4) Development of five cells.
(5) At least three of the five cells have multiplied.
(6) The development of a personal apprentice that is/can be released to small group coordinator ministry.
(7) Fulfillment of the Ministry Description.
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION
CARE GROUP COORDINATOR APPRENTICE
BIBLICAL BASIS
Exodus 18:21; 2 Timothy 2:2
Moses, under Jethro's instruction, organized the people of God into units of fifty people which were subdivided into five groups of ten people each. Paul by his example with Timothy, Barnabus, Mark and others, showed the power of apprenticing as a productive model of leadership training. By combining these two truths a CARE Group Coordinator Apprentice is a leader in training working with an established CARE Group Coordinator with the goal of becoming a leader of fifty.
VISION
(1) That leadership be developed so the vision of being small enough to can become a reality
(2) That Faith Community Church can continue to grow larger without sacrificing the quality of care but actually improving it
(3) That hundreds of Christ-centered groups be established in the Tri-Valley area
(4) That Faith Community Church become a model of pastoral care and leadership development that God can use for his glory, and to encourage other churches
(5) That small groups become "ports of entry" into the life of the Faith Community Church through the reaching of the unchurched
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
(1) Approval of the small group pastor
(2) Leadershippastoral giftstalents
(3) A willingness to fulfill the ministry description
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) Complete the CARE Group Coordinator training
(2) Complete courses #101 (Basic Training), #201 (Advanced Training), and #301 (Discover Your SHAPE), Faith Community's leadership development process, within one year
(3) Work with your CARE Group Coordinator to master the micro skills necessary to accomplish the CARE Group Coordinator ministry
(4) Visit two cells monthly
(5) To pray regularly for your mentor and the CARE Group leaders in your cluster
POSITION SUPPORT
As a CARE Group Coordinator my commitment is to see you become the leader God wants you to be. To support you I will
(1) Spend one-on-one time with you to help you grow and develop
(2) Conduct a cell meeting for you and my other leaders on a monthly basis
(3) Allow you to develop your skills in nurturing environment
(4) Pray regularly and specifically for you.
LONG TERM OBJECTIVE
(1) To see you grow and develop in your relationship with God
(2) To see you develop productive ministry skills
(3) To see you released into CARE Group Coordinator ministry
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION
CARE GROUP LEADER
BIBLICAL BASIS
Exodus 18:21
The pastor, and CARE group leader of approximately ten persons
VISION
(1) That the Faith community Church vision components, small enough to care, and creatively nurturing people to love God and share his love, become a reality through the caring and pastoral ministry of the CARE Group Leader as they lead the care group under their authority
(2) That through the leadership/apprentice model of formational training an new leader is developed so a new group of ten can be released
(3) That hundreds of Christ-centered CARE groups be raised up in the Tri-Valley area to reach the lost and nurture his children to full maturity
(4) That Faith Community Church become a model of pastoral care/growth that God can use to motivate other churches and serve as a testimony to his glory
(5) That every CARE Group leader grow and mature in their walk with Christ so ministry will be a delight rather than a drudgery
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
(1) Recommendation of a CARE Group Coordinator and approval by the small group pastor
(2) Leadershippastoral giftstalents
(3) A willingness to fulfill the requirements of the ministry description
(4) Completion of the twelve/thirteen-week leadership training course for CARE Group leaders
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) To strive to live your life in such a way, that by personal example be able to say as
Paul did to the church, Follow me as I follow Christ
(2) To pray regularly for your mentor, your own apprentice, and the persons under your care
(3) To personally find one person or couple you can mentor and release to CARE group ministry. (All "a" positions require the approval of your CARE Group Coordinator)
(4) Complete within the first year, courses #101 (Basic Training), #201 (Advanced Training), and #301 (Discover Your SHAPE), of Faith Community Church's leadership development process
(5) To develop a cell group for, and pastoral ministry to, up to ten persons
(6) Conduct two cell gatherings per month for your cell
(7) To be available to give counsel and ministry to the members of your cell
(8) Pastoral contact each member of your cell a minimum of once a month. This contact can be by telephone or face-to-face
(9) To visit each home in your cell once per year
(10) To have monthly contact with your CARE group Coordinator related to your ministry
(11) Complete the monthly report, and submit it to your CARE Group Coordinator
(12) Communicate any difficulties or problems to your CARE Group Coordinator so early resolution can be found
(13) Other ministry as per the direction of the Holy Spirit for the encouragement edification, and growth of the group under your care
POSITION SUPPORT
As a small group staff, and as CARE group coordinators, are committed to you personally, and to see you be successful in ministry. To this end we will:
(1) Uphold you regularly in prayer
(2) Plan regular one-on-one time with you for your personal growth and development
(3) Conduct a monthly CARE meeting for you
(4) Conduct training for your apprentice to supplement and support your ministry to them
(5) Be available as an on-call resource to you
(6) Conduct regular training for you to sharpen your skills
(7) Visit your cell on a regular basis for ongoing support and evaluation, and at other times at your invitation for problem solving or ministry
(8) Pass on to you referrals to aid your groups growth
(9) Provide an EGR (extra grace required) support structure for members of your group
LONG TERM OBJECTIVES
(1) That you will experience personal growth and ministry satisfaction
(2) That an apprentice has been released to CARE group ministry
(3) That within one year your cell will have had the joy of birthing a new cell
(4) That the participants of your cell see you as "their pastor", and you have become the primary source for their care and support
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION
CARE GROUP APPRENTICE
BIBLICAL BASIS
Exodus 18:21; 2 Timothy 2:2
Moses, under Jethro's instruction, organized the people into small groups of ten persons. Paul, by his example, with Timothy, Barnabus, Mark and others showed the power of apprenticing (mentoring) as a productive model for leadership development. By combining these two truths, a CARE Group Apprentice is a leader in training working with an established CARE Group Leader to master the skills necessary to become a leader of a cell group.
VISION
(1) That the Faith community Church vision components, small enough to care, and creatively nurturing people to love God and share his love, become a reality through the caring and pastoral ministry of the CARE Group Leader as they lead the care group under their authority
(2) That through the leadership/apprentice model of formational training an new leader is developed so a new group of ten can be released
(3) That hundreds of Christ-centered CARE groups be raised up in the Tri-Valley area to reach the lost and nurture his children to full maturity
(4) That Faith Community Church become a model of pastoral care/growth that God can use to motivate other churches and serve as a testimony to his glory
(5) That every CARE Group leader grow and mature in their walk with Christ so ministry will be a delight rather than a drudgery
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
(1) Recommendation of a CARE Group Leader and approval by your CARE Group Coordinator
(2) Leadershippastoral giftstalents
(3) A willingness to fulfill the requirements of the ministry description
(4) Completion of the twelve/thirteen-week leadership training course for CARE Group leaders
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) To strive to live your life in such a way, that by personal example be able to say as
Paul did to the church, Follow me as I follow Christ
(2) To pray regularly for your leader (mentor) and the persons in your group
(3) Complete within the first year, courses #101 (Basic Training), #201 (Advanced Training), and #301 (Discover Your SHAPE), of Faith Community Church's leadership development process
(4) To work with your existing CARE Group Leader to master the micro-skills of CARE Group ministry
(5) Meet regularly with your CARE Group Leader to discuss the ministry in/through the cell
(6) Develop pastoral relationship within the cell
(7) Function as a "fisherman" for cell expansion
(8) Other ministry as per the direction of the Holy Spirit for the encouragement and growth of the group under your care
POSITION SUPPORT
As a small group staff, CARE Group Coordinator and CARE Group Leaders are committed to you personally and to see you become successful in ministry to this end we will
(1) Uphold you regularly in prayer
(2) Plan regular one-on-one time with you for your personal growth and development
(3) Conduct training to help you master the micro skills necessary for effective leadership
(4) Be available as an on-call resource to you
(5) Conduct regular training for you to sharpen your skills
(6) Pass on referrals for group growth
LONG TERM OBJECTIVES
(1) That you will experience personal growth and ministry satisfaction
(2) That you master the micro skills and be released to CARE Group ministry
(3) That within one year your cell will have had the joy of birthing a new cell
THE ART OF LEADERSHIP
Simply and plainly defined, a leader is one who has followers. Leaders deserve to have followers if they have earned recognition. Authority alone is no longer enough to command respect.
Leaders see things through the eyes of followers. Leaders put themselves in their shoes, and help them make their dreams come true.
Leaders do not say, "get going!" Instead, a leaders says, "let's go!" and leads the way. Leaders do not walk behind with a whip but are out in front with a banner.
Leaders assume that followers are working with them not for them. They consider their followers partners in the work, and see to it they share in the rewards. Leaders glorify the team spirit.
Leaders duplicate themselves in others. They are people builders. They help those under them to grow big because they realize the more big people an organization has, the stronger it will be.
Leaders do not hold people down; but lift them up. Leaders reach out their hands to help their followers scale the peaks.
Leaders have faith in people; believe in them, trust them, and thus draw out the best in them. Leaders find others will rise to their highest expectations.
Leaders use heart as well as head. After the facts have been seen, they let their hearts take a look, too. Leaders are not just bosses but friends.
Leaders are self-starters. They create plans and set them in motion. Leaders are people of action both dreamers and doers.
Leaders have a sense of humor. Leaders are not stuffed shirts. They can laugh at themselves have a humble spirit.
Leaders can be led and are not interested in having their own way, but finding the best way. Leaders always have an open mind.
Leaders keep their eyes on high goals; strive to make the efforts of their followers and themselves contribute to the enrichment and achievement of more abundant living for all.
THREE TYPES OF LEADERSHIP
According to Michael E. Gerber, in his book The EMyth, we all have an "entrepreneur manager" and "technician" inside of us. If they were equally balanced, we would be describing an incredibly competent individual. But the three are seldom balanced in one person. Therefore, we must depend upon each other to provide these three important leadership functions.
| Entrepreneur | Manager | Technician |
| Visionary Dreamer Future Motto: If you want it done right, create a new . . . Boundary: How many managers can be in his vision? Builds a house, and plans the next one See Opportunities What wall should be the ladder against? Needs Change World View: Opportunities abound everywhere Creates things to be put in rows | Pragmatist Planner Past Motto: If you want it done right, train good worker Boundary: How many technicians can he supervise? Builds a house, and lives in it forever Sees Problems How do I best get the ladder to the wall? Craves Order World View: Messes must be cleaned up Puts the things into neat rows | Doer Fixer Present Motto: If you want it done right, do it yourself Boundary: How much can he do by himself? Never stops building the house Sees a job to do How many times do I go up and down? Wants Activity World View: Produce bread to eat at tonight's dinner Fixes the things that are in neat rows |
What type of leader are you?
What is an area you are weak in, and need to work on?
COORDINATOR'S MONTHLY REPORT
Your role as a mentorcoach to your care group leaders is critical to the fulfillment of God's vision for Faith Community Church. The following forms should not be seen as a legalistic tool that one would use to score/ the performance of a group but as a tool for edification and encouragement. The questions provided and the objectives stated are there to help you focus your attention on what is happening and the way it is happening. Just as a football coach will review the films of the previous game with the players, you, too, will review the group meeting with your leader.
In the debriefing, the primary role is to encouragereinforce that which is productive and give suggestions for next time/ rather than using tearing-down words, e.g.
Next time you might try . . .
Next time let's do this differently . . .
Notice that even criticism is framed in non-condemning language like next time.
A copy of the cell evaluation should be maintained by you, along with notes as to what you have suggested. In your coaching time between visits, see that all questions to the cell leader about how thisthat is going, and what are they doing to see thisthat happens, are answered. These are extremely important.
A copy of the report for each cell should also be submitted to the caring ministries' office. We will use them in our one-on-one times with you to help you with next time work, and to encourage and reinforce that which is productive.
COORDINATOR'S MONTHLY REPORT FORM
Submit to Caring Ministries' Pastor
CARE Group Coordinator ______________________________________________________________________
(1) Apprentice_____________________________________________ Release Date Goal___________________
(2) Apprentice_____________________________________________ Release Date Goal___________________
CARE Groups in My Cluster:
Group Leaders: Host/Location: Date of Most Current Visit:
(1)_____________________________________ __________________________ ________________________
(2)_____________________________________ __________________________ ________________________
(3)_____________________________________ __________________________ ________________________
(4)_____________________________________ __________________________ ________________________
(5)_____________________________________ __________________________ ________________________
Did you have some pastoral contact with each of your leaders in the past month? Yes No
Are there any particular subjects you would like to see discussed at our VHS? If so, indicate those topics ______
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Is there anything I or my apprentices can do to make your ministry more productive/effective? _______________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
COORDINATOR'S OBSERVATION FORM
GROUP MEETING
CARE Group Leader _________________________________________________________________________
Date of Visit to Group _________________________________________________________________________
Five Basic Objectives for the CARE Group Coordinator to Observe Within a Cell Group:
(1) To observe attenders for a potential apprentice
(2) Observe the format and small group dynamics in the meeting, and make appropriate suggestions
(3) Discern problem areaspeople, and make appropriate suggestionsplans of action
(4) Encourage the leader/cell
(5) To understand the need for micro skill training
Questions to Consider During Group Observation
Did the leader verbally share vision at the beginning of the group meeting? Yes No
Did the leader follow Faith Community Church's recommended format? Yes No
If not, in what way did the leader bring change? _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What was done about the children (if applicable)? ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Was this effective? Yes No
A suggestion to improve this cell group's treatment/handling of children would be ____________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Was there an effective ice-breaker style of activity to build human relations? Yes No
Any problem areas? Yes No If yes, explain _________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
What would improve this? _______________________________________________________________
Was praise and worship effective? Yes No Well received? Yes No
Any problem areas? Yes No If yes, explain________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
A suggestion to improve this group's praise and worship would be_______________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
When examining the small group dynamics the group is . . . Boring Exciting Acceptable
Level of discussion interaction is . . . Low Medium High
To improve the group meeting dynamics the leader could______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Was a genuine spirit of care evidenced in the conduct of the meeting? Yes No
The interaction of the people? Yes No
Were there clear evidences of one another's ministry? Yes No
Any practical illustration?________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Coordinator's Observation Form (continued) .. page 2
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the leader encourage and provide opportunity for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be released? Yes No The group's prayer times were . . . Exciting Acceptable Poor
Was there at least one occasion of evangelism prayer? Yes No
Does the group's prayer chain function productively? Yes No
Did the leader have good variety in prayer? Yes No
At some point during the meeting, does each person have an opportunity to receive prayer, as well as
pray for someone else? Yes No
Suggestions would be __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Was an offering taken? Yes No
Was it done well, with scriptural encouragement? Yes No
Any specific problems? Yes No If yes, explain _____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
The duration of the meeting was . . . Too Short Too Long Appropriate
Does the leader have an apprentice? Yes No
If yes, how is the leader training the apprentice?_____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Is the leader taking regular time with him/her? Yes No
Is the leader giving bite-size responsibilities to him/her? Yes No
If not, has this leader found a potential apprentice? Yes No
If the leader has not yet found a potential apprentice (or spotted one you know to be inappropriate), did
you suggest someone with leadership potential? Yes No
If so, write that person's name and other information here (mention suggested person to leader first) ____
___________________________________________________________________________________
Were there visitors in the group? Yes No Were they Churched? Unchurched?
The welcome experience was Non-existent Poor Average Good Outstanding
Was the meeting conducted in such a way the visitors are likely to return? Yes No
If not, my suggestions for change would be _________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
What is this leader's/group's vision and activities in the following areas?
Evangelism: What evangelistic goals and specific activities do they have? _____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What could they do to improve their evangelism? ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Pastoral Care: What is done during, and between, meetings to provide pastoral care for group members? ______
_____________________________________________________________________________
Coordinator's Observation Form (continued) .. page 3
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is the leader contacting each member on an average of one occasion a month other than a
regular meeting? Yes No
Is there specific suggestions for improvement in this leader's/group's pastoral care? ___________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Has a saturation point yet been reached in this group? Yes No
Does the room in which the group meet yet have a sense of fullness? Yes No
What is the leader's plan for branching/birthing the group? ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Does the leader/group have a target date for multiplication? Yes No
If yes, what is the date?_________________________________________________________________
How is the group different from your previous visit? __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Any obvious improvements? Yes No If yes, explain _______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Any emerging problems? Yes No If yes, explain __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Questions to Ask the Group Leader
(1) Do you or your family have a need for which I can join with you in prayer?
(2) Is there anything I can do to help you or your group?
(3) Is there anything you would like to see taught or explained during our monthly VHS?
(4) Is there a faith story/testimony that could be used to expand the vision of the CARE group? (VHS)
A brief synopsis is_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
(5) My next time recommendations to the CARE group leader are __________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
LEADER'S MONTHLY GROUP REPORT
Leader ____________________________________________________________________________________
Apprentice Leader ___________________________________________________________________________
Possible Apprentice Leader ____________________________________________________________________
Host/Hostess _______________________________________________________________________________
Location ___________________________________________________________________________________
Regular Members of This Cell (names only):
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
New Members to the Cell Provide Name, Address, Phone Number (Add to Pastoral CARE Roster)
(1) ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
(4) ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
New Converts Within the Past Month Name, Address, Telephone Number (Add to Pastoral CARE Roster)
(1) ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
(4) ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Pastoral Contacts/Initiatives:
Leader's Monthly Report (continued) .. page 2
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
All Members were Either Telephoned or Personally Seen at Least Once Outside the Cell Meeting Yes No
If Our Group Were to Improve in Effectiveness We Would Need to ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
FAITH Story(ies)
How has God used you/the group to minister his caring love?
What has God accomplished through you that is a cause of celebration?
Are there specific prayers that have been answered? If so, share an example as an encouragement to others.
What TrainingHelp do YouThe Group Need to Fulfill Your Responsibility More Effectively?
What is the Expected Group Multiplication Date? ___________________________________________________
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
MODULE SEVEN
COUNSELING BASICS
Introduction
Perhaps there is no ground more holy than that which covers both intrapsychic (being or occurring within the psyche, mind, or personality) and interpersonal dynamics. God's great concern throughout history is primarily with the individual's spiritual health. While there are many noble causes both within the church and outside of it, nothing exists as important as personal well-being.
Because of this, people business is critical to the Father. Inherent in the essence of working with individuals, families and groups, is pain, frustration, joy, confusion, victory . . . basically anything other than predictability or stability. As leaders of this organism called the church, you will be faced not only with your own challenges, but with the entanglements of those you grow to love. Such ministry is exactly what the cross is all about.
The purpose of this section is to provide you with a plumb line for health, generalities of helping, and warning signs of extreme distress.
I. How to Think About Emotional Health
A. Myths and Facts
| MYTHS | FACTS |
| Spiritual truth is greater than psychological truth | Truth is truth! The key distinction is between truth and theory |
| Spirituality is unaffected by emotional or physical pain | A person is a composite of body, mind, and soul and spirit . . . they are interrelated and indelibly connected |
| You can be healthy spiritually, and unhealthy psychologically | Jesus is the perfect example of psychological health! |
| Psychology offers a secret body of knowledge which only the higher intellects can understand | There is no magic! The best counselors are the ones who make the most sense |
| True Christians should never need counsel . . . God alone should be enough | Counselors are valued in the Word of God . . . but need to be approved cautiously |
| What are some of your beliefs which just might be mythical?______________________________________________________________________________________________________ | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
B. The plumb line for emotional health
(1) Taking responsibility for one's own actions
(2) The ability to delay gratification
(3) The decision to stay out of other's emotional mess
(4) The ability to make and maintain significant relationships
(5) The awareness that one can only control themselves
(6) The use of the higher defenses, (fruit of the Spirit)
(Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, self-control, etc.)
a. humor
b. altruism
c. anticipation
d. sublimination
e. suppression
II. Principles of Being a People Helper
A. Listen non-reactively
B. Do not give advice unless asked for
C. Do not tell personal stores about how you, your cousin's best friend, or your cat went through the same thing
D. Absolutely hold confidential information, unless their is abuse to a child, senior adult, or dependent adult, or there is an identifiable threat of suicide or homicide
CONFIDENTIALITY is the most critical aspect of helping people
E. Be unshockable!
F. Use the Bible, prayer, or teaching as a healing salve, not a club
G. Give homework assignments to test a person's commitment to changing their circumstances
H. "Mainstream" people into the life of the church
I. Be extremely careful about cross-gender counseling. Never be alone with a counselee of the opposite sex. Never be alone with a co-worker of the opposite sex.
J. Above all . . . DO NO HARM! Do not let your limited knowledge be just enough to be dangerous
III. Warning signs and interventions
A. The five most common but precarious situations
| DIAGNOSIS | SYMPTOMS | INTERVENTIONS |
| Depression | Lack of energyChange in appetiteChange in daily habitsUncontrolled crying/angerSlow thinking, speakingIsolation | Get on a regular schedule20-30 minutes daily aerobic activityEat more healthy, more oftenRefer to M.D. for examGet involved with others |
| Chemical Abuse Probably fifty per cent of all your families' problems will have their root in chemical dependency issues | Irrational behaviorUnaccounted for periods of timeExtreme shameStrong denial systems | Direct confrontationReferral to a 12-step programDeal with the pride issueAllowing people to suffer the consequencesDo not "rescue" an abuser |
| Domestic Conflict/Violence | Obvious physical markingsHesitancy to allow home visitationsFailure to keep scheduled appointmentExtreme feelings of intimidation; primarily in women | Refer to shelter for families of women always work to protect the innocentRefer to professionalRealize that abuse is a two-way street, and be Jesus to both the victim and the perpetrator |
| Suicidal Ideations | Extreme depressionComments about not wanting to liveTalk about guns, pills, alcohol bingeSelf-directed anger/criticism | Ask the tough question, do you wish you were dead? or, have you been thinking about suicide?If yes, ask . . . how would you kill yourself?If they have a plan, call the local policeIf they have ideations, but will make and keep an appointment, the potential for suicide is probably not imminent |
| Benevolence Needs | Asking for $$$ Dwelling on self pityWanting your group to provide housing | Money never solves the problems; do only the minimumRefer legitimate needs to the pastoral staffChallenge the needy to utilize the welfare system |
B. When in doubt . . . refer to a professional
(1) Your first line of defense is to call Faith Community Church and discuss the issue with a pastor. If in-house pastoral counselling is needed it will be provided.
(2) All benevolence requests (or church assistance) must be approved by Pastor Tommie Farris or Pastor Chuck Reeve
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
RESOURCE
KEY SCRIPTURES
A
Anger .. What to do when you feel anger
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 James 1:19, 20
Proverbs 14:29 Ecclesiastes 7:9
Proverbs 16:32
B
Business .. What you can do to help your business
This is what the Lord says your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
Isaiah 48:17 3 John 2
Joshua 1:8 Deuteronomy 8:18
Proverbs 3:5-10 Psalm 1:1-3
Proverbs 16:3
C
Carnal Mind .. What the Bible has to say about the carnal mind
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 Romans 8:6-8
Galatians 6:8 1 John 2:15-17
Romans 12:1,2
Change the World .. What you can do to change the world
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:3 Matthew 5:14-16
Mark 16:15-20 John 13:34, 35
Matthew 28:19, 20
Church .. What the Bible has to say about the Church
. . . from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name . . . to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:15, 21 Ephesians 1:10, 22-23
Colossians 1:13, 18 Ephesians 5:23-27, 29
Ephesians 4:11, 12
Condemnation .. What to do when you fee condemned
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Romans 8:1 Psalm 103:10, 12
1 Corinthians 5:17 John 5:24
Psalm 32:5
Confidence .. What to do when you need confidence
. . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 Hebrews 10:35, 36
Romans 8:37 John 14:12
Proverbs 3:26
Confusion .. What to do when you feel confused
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 Psalm 32:8
Proverbs 3:5, 6 Isaiah 50:7
Philippians 4:6, 7
Courage .. What to do when you are in need of courage
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 Isaiah 43:2
1 Peter 4:12, 13 Isaiah 41:10
Romans 8:38, 39 Philippians 4:6
D
Depression .. What to do when you feel depressed
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Psalm 34:17 Isaiah 43:2
Isaiah 40:31 1 Peter 5:6, 7
Discouragement .. What to do when you feel discouraged
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
Psalm 138:7 Philippians 1:6
Galatians 6:9 John 14:27
Hebrews 10:35, 36
Dissatisfaction .. What to do when you feel dissatisfied
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 Psalm 103:1-5
Psalm 37:3 Psalm 34:10
Isaiah 44:3
Divorce .. Truth from the Bible about divorce
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Luke 16:18 Matthew 5:31, 32
1 Corinthians 7:10-17 Matthew 19:3-9
Doubt .. What to do when you are in doubt about God
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 18:30 Romans 4:20, 21
Isaiah 46:10b, 11b 2 Peter 3:9
Isaiah 59:1 Isaiah 55:10, 11
E
Elderly .. Truth from the Bible about the elderly
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
Proverbs 16:31 Psalm 92:14
Psalm 71:17, 18 Isaiah 46:4
Psalm 91:16 Isaiah 64:4
Psalm 23:6
Eternity .. What the Bible has to say about eternity
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 5:11 John 5:24
John 6:51 Psalm 23:6
John 11:25, 26 John 10:27, 28
F
Faith .. What the Bible has to say about faith
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 Matthew 17:20
Hebrews 11:6 2 Corinthians 5:7
Mark 9:23 Matthew 9:20-22
Faithfulness .. What the Bible has to say about the faithfulness of God
The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 Deuteronomy 7:8, 9
Genesis 9:16 Psalm 36:5
Psalm 121:3, 4 2 Peter 3:9
Family .. Truth from the Bible about your family
They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved you and your household.'
Acts 16:31 Joshua 24:15
Ephesians 4:31, 32 Proverbs 17:6
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 Psalm 128:1-4
Isaiah 54:13
Fear .. What to do when you are experiencing fear
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.
Romans 8:15 1 John 4:18
Psalm 91:1 Psalm 91:4-7
Proverbs 3:25, 26 Isaiah 54:14
Fellowship .. Truth from the Bible about Christian fellowship
. . . with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.
Psalm 55:14 Malachi 3:16
Ephesians 5:2, 19, 30 Ephesians 2:19-22
Financial .. What to do when you are in financial trouble
All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: . . .
Deuteronomy 28:2-8 3 John 2
Psalm 37:25 Matthew 10:8
Joshua 1:8
Forgiving .. Truth from the Bible about forgiving others
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Mark 11:25 Matthew 6:14, 15
Colossians 3:13 Isaiah 43:18, 19
Matthew 5:10-12 Matthew 5:44
G
Grace .. What the Bible has to say about the grace of God
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 Psalm 84:11
Exodus 33:17 Psalm 5:12
Psalm 115:12, 13
Grief .. What to do when you are in grief
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 1 Thessalonians 43:13, 14
2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 23:4 Hebrews 4:15, 16
H
Holy Spirit .. What the Bible has to say about the Holy Spirit
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
1 Corinthians 6:19 John 14:16
John 16:7, 13 Acts 4:31
Acts 10:44-46a
L
Loneliness .. What to do when you feel lonely
For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.
1 Samuel 12:22 Isaiah 41:10
Hebrews 13:5 John 14:1
Deuteronomy 33:27 Psalm 147:3
Love .. What the Bible has to say about love
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 Romans 8:38, 39
1 John 4:7, 8 John 14:21
John 13:34, 35
Lukewarm Spiritually .. What to do when you are lukewarm spiritually
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 2 Peter 2:20, 21
Revelation 3:2, 15, 16 Deuteronomy 4:9
M
Marital Problems .. What to do when you are having marital problems
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Genesis 2:24 Genesis 2:18
Ephesians 5:21-33 Psalm 101:2
1 Peter 3:8-11
Marriage .. Truth from the Bible about Marriage
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
Genesis 2:18 Genesis 2:24
Hosea 2:19, 20 1 Corinthians 7:2-4
Ephesians 5:22-33 1 Peter 3:7
O
Obedience .. What the Bible has to say about obedience
Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!
Acts 5:29 Deuteronomy 11:26-28
Isaiah 48:18 John 14:15, 21
Colossians 3:20-24
P
Patience .. What to do when in need of patience
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22 Isaiah 40:31
Hebrews 10:35, 37 Psalm 40:1
James 5:7, 8
Peace .. What to do when in need of peace
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 John 14:27
Philippians 4:6, 7 Isaiah 55:12
Romans 14:17-19
Pleasing God .. What you can do to please God
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Revelation 4:11 Hebrews 11:6
1 Peter 2:5, 9 Colossians 1:10
Psalm 109:30 1 John 3:22
Praise .. What the Bible has to say about praise
Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
Psalm 147:1 1 Peter 2:9
Isaiah 43:21 Psalm 50:23
Psalm 71:8, 14 Psalm 63:3-5
Prayer .. Truth from the Bible about answered prayer
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Matthew 21:22 Isaiah 65:24
Matthew 7:7, 8 Matthew 18:19, 20
1 John 15:7 John 16:23
Q
Questioning God's Ways .. What to do when you are questioning God's ways
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3 Isaiah 55:8, 9
Psalm 34:19 Romans 8:28
Hebrews 10:23 Psalm 138:8
R
Rebellious .. What to do when feeling rebellious
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
Ephesians 5:8 James 4:7
Romans 6:12, 13 Philippians 25:8
1 Peter 1:13, 14 Proverbs 14:16, 17
Rejected .. What to do when rejected by loved ones
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10 Psalm 94:14
Psalm 27:10 Isaiah 62:4
Psalm 91:14, 15 Deuteronomy 31:6
Responsibility .. Truth from the Bible about your responsibility
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6 James 1:27
Galatians 6:1-6 Acts 1:8
Return of Christ .. What the Bible has to say about Christ's return
. . . while we wait for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Titus 2:13 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
1 John 3:2-3 Luke 21:25-28
S
Salvation .. God's plan of salvation
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 Romans 5:8
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 John 3:36
John 1:12 Ephesians 2:8, 9
Romans 10:8-10 1 John 5:11-13
Matthew 10:32
Satan .. What the Bible has to say about Satan
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,
1 Peter 5:8, 9a Revelation 12:11
1 John 4:1-4 Hebrews 2:9, 14, 15
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Serving God .. What the Bible has to say about serving God
Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.
Exodus 23:25, 26 Deuteronomy 13:4
Matthew 6:24 Joshua 22:5
Romans 12:1, 2
Sickness .. What to do when you are physically ill
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
Jeremiah 17:14 Matthew 9:35
3 John 2 1 Peter 2:24
Jeremiah 30:17a
Singles .. Truth from the Bible about singles
Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am.
1 Corinthians 7:8 Hosea 2:19
Hebrews 13:4 Psalm 37:4
Romans 7:4
Speaking God's Word .. Truth from the Bible about speaking God's Word
For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.
John 12:49, 50 Matthew 12:34, 36, 37
Proverbs 18:4, 7, 20, 21 Mark 11:23
Spiritual Growth .. What you can do for spiritual growth
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:18 1 Peter 2:2, 3
2 Peter 1:5-8 Colossians 1:9-11
Philippians 1:6, 9, 10 Ephesians 4:14, 15
Stewardship .. What the Bible has to say regarding stewardship
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, , since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23, 24 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Matthew 6:20, 21 Matthew 6:33
Joshua 1:8
T
Temptation .. What to do when facing temptation
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 1 Peter 5:8, 9
1 Corinthians 10:12, 13 Hebrews 4:14-16
James 1:2, 3, 12
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
RESOURCE
The Compassion Network
The Compassion Network is a ministry committed to serving the many needs of those persons facing economic crisis. We work with the government, other churches, businesses and other helping agencies. Our goal is to present the compassion of Christ through tangible acts of assistance and care for the purpose of impacting the cycle of poverty many face.
If your small group encounters someone in that cycle, and is unable to assist them as completely as you desire, please consider working with us through some of the following programs:
(1) Crisis Referral Network Debbie Barnett, Contact Person
We have referred hundreds of people in the areas of (a) abortion counseling, (b) overnight shelters for men, women and families, (c) food and clothing, (d) government benefits, (e) drug and alcohol counseling, (f) job training, (g) professional and lay counseling, (h) battered women shelters.
(2) Transitional Housing Velma Goodrich, Contact Person
Working with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide homes for the homeless families. We also will assist in helping with other HUD programs including Section Eight housing.
(3) Joshua's House Barbara Speed, Billie Jo Barnett, Contact Persons
This is a home for unwed women over eighteen years old facing a crisis pregnancy who have chosen "life" over abortion. We are also identifying homes of families in each church that will be screened and matched with future women in need.
(4) Family-to-Family Food and Follow-Up Debbie Barnett, Brad Nutt, Carlos and Maria Longoria
The Compassion Network uses food as a tool to reach out to families in need. We have a warehouse full of nutritious food to provide a box that is taken by you or one of our team members to the home of the "client." The advantage of being part of the network is your ability to refer other issues directly to the Compassion Network.
(5) Clothing Ministry Debbie Barnett, Contact Person
Currently we have an office full of clothing and some specialty items (i.e. blankets). The type of clothing and other items continually change.
NOTE: Please maintain records of the people you assist through The Compassion Network. This would be greatly appreciated. All of the above contact persons can be reached at
(818) 850-5070. Our main offices are located at 1358 North Hacienda Blvd., La Puente. For any other issues or contacts, call Bob Hunt at the same telephone number.
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
MODULE EIGHT
MINISTRY TO AN EGR (Extra Grace Required)
I. Introducing the EGR
A. By definition
The term EGR is an abbreviation for Extra Grace Required. It was first coined by Dr. Carl George to describe a person who needs special care and attention due to the circumstances in which they may find themselves (i.e. extra grace required).
B. It is a transitional time
All of us have a tendency to want a great deal of stability in our lives. Any time this state of equilibrium is broken an individual enters a transitional time. While individuals may seek to restore themselves to their previous state these experiences can have such a dramatic effect that there lives may never be the same again. Because the time of transition has questions and uncertainty it can either be a time of great spiritual growth or decay.
C. It is a time of increased receptivity to change
Any time a person goes through a transitional period they are open to new ways of thinking, to new relationships, to new habits, etc. This receptivity to change occurs in more than the natural, it also occurs in the spiritual. The receptivity to change may also move people in a positive or a negative direction.
It would not be a safe assumption to believe that someone in your group who, for example, had the death of a loved one would automatically be drawn closer to God through this experience. It may be just as possible that they would move away from God. The quality of the spiritual life they had prior to the experience and the kind of support they received from those around them are the two determining factors that determine the direction.
D. It Is a time for "Hands on Ministry"
This is a time when our prayers must be followed by specific actions. It is the "one another's" of scripture being worked out in the life of a group. It is that meal brought to the home, the phone call of encouragement, the ministry of presence, etc.
These are the tangible proofs that we are people who care, and our love is more than words.
II. Two Kinds of EGR
A. The EGR temporary
In this case the situation is generally expected to result in a healthy resolution with
(1) the passage of time
(2) proper pastoral support from you as a leader and from the group
B. The EGR dominant
In this case the passage of time and pastoral support through the small group are either inadequate or ineffective and the problem lingers. For example: Assume someone in your group has the death of an aged parent. One would expect there would be grief but it should not be dehabilitating for a long period of time. If it turned into a deep depression, counseling or participation in a specialized recovery group would be a very essential added ingredient to the caring ministry.
III. Dealing With EGR Dominant
A. Use your group's prayer chain
B. Use EGR temporary support
C. Contact your immediate upline mentor for referral
D. Follow through to insure the support/help they need is being given
E. Keep in touch with them. Work to mainstream a person back into the life of a group
F. Should a problem occur the small group pastor can be contacted and a process to resolve the problem will be undertaken
IV. The Holmes/Rahe Stress Scale
The following scales were first developed by two doctors to help them predict the onset of physical disease as a result of changes in life situations. It has been adapted for use in the church and has been proven to be effective in helping churches develop their ministry .
PRESCHOOL AGE
LIFE EVENT
1. Death of a parent............................................................................................................................. 89
2. Divorce of parents............................................................................................................................ 78
3. Marital separation of parents......................................................................................................... 74
4. Jail sentence of a parent for one year or more........................................................................... 67
5. Marriage of a parent to stepparent................................................................................................ 62
6. Serious illness requiring hospitalization..................................................................................... 59
7. Death of a brother or sister............................................................................................................. 59
8. Acquiring visible deformity............................................................................................................. 52
9. Serious illness requiring hospitalization of parent.................................................................... 51
10. Birth of a brother or sister............................................................................................................... 50
11. Mother taking job............................................................................................................................. 47
12. Increase in number of arguments between parents................................................................. 44
13. Starting nursery school.................................................................................................................. 42
14. Addition of a third adult to family (i.e. grandparent )................................................................. 39
15. Brother or sister leaving home..................................................................................................... 39
16. Having visible congenital deformity............................................................................................ 39
17. Increase in number of arguments with parents......................................................................... 39
18. Change in acceptance by peers................................................................................................... 38
19. Death of a close friend................................................................................................................... 38
20. Serious illness requiring hospitalization of brother/sister........................................................ 37
21. Change in father's job requiring increased absence................................................................ 36
22. Jail sentence of a parent for 30 days or less.............................................................................. 34
23. Discovery of being adopted........................................................................................................... 33
24. Change to a new nursery school................................................................................................. 33
25. Death of a grandparent.................................................................................................................. 30
26. Outstanding personal achievement............................................................................................. 23
27. Loss of job by parent....................................................................................................................... 23
28. Decrease in number of arguments with parents....................................................................... 22
29. Decrease in number of arguments between parents............................................................... 21
30. Change in parent's financial status............................................................................................. 21
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AGE
LIFE EVENT
1. Death of a parent............................................................................................................................. 91
2. Divorce of parents............................................................................................................................ 84
3. Marital separation of parents......................................................................................................... 78
4. Acquiring a physical deformity...................................................................................................... 69
5. Death of a brother or sister............................................................................................................. 68
6. Jail sentence of parent for one year or more.............................................................................. 67
7. Marriage of parent to stepparent................................................................................................... 65
8. Serious illness requiring hospitalization..................................................................................... 62
9. Becoming involved with drugs or alcohol................................................................................... 61
10. Having a visible congenital deformity.......................................................................................... 60
11. Failure of a grade in school........................................................................................................... 57
12. Serious illness requiring the hospitalization of a parent.......................................................... 55
13. Death of a close friend................................................................................................................... 53
14. Discovery of being an adopted child............................................................................................ 52
15. Increase in the number of arguments between parents.......................................................... 51
16. Change in child's acceptance by peers...................................................................................... 51
17. Birth of a brother or sister............................................................................................................... 50
18. Increase in number of arguments with parents......................................................................... 47
19. Move to a new school district......................................................................................................... 46
20. Beginning school............................................................................................................................ 46
21. Suspension from school................................................................................................................ 46
22. Change in father's occupation requiring increased absence................................................. 45
23. Mother beginning to work.............................................................................................................. 44
24. Jail sentence of parent for 30 days or less.................................................................................. 44
25. Serious illness requiring hospitalization of brother or sister.................................................... 41
26. Addition of a third adult to family (grandparents)....................................................................... 41
27. Outstanding personal achievement............................................................................................. 39
28. Loss of job by parent....................................................................................................................... 38
29. Death of a grandparent.................................................................................................................. 36
30. Brother or sister leaving home...................................................................................................... 36
31. Pregnancy of unwed teenage sister............................................................................................ 36
32. Change in parent's financial status............................................................................................. 29
33. Beginning a new school year....................................................................................................... 27
34. Decrease in number of arguments with parents...................................................................... 27
35. Decrease in number of arguments between parents............................................................... 25
36. Becoming a full fledged member of the church/synagogue................................................... 25
JUNIOR HIGH AGE
LIFE EVENT
1. Pregnancy out of wedlock.............................................................................................................. 95
2. Death of a parent............................................................................................................................. 94
3. Divorce of parents............................................................................................................................ 84
4. Acquiring a visible deformity......................................................................................................... 83
5. Marital separation of parents......................................................................................................... 77
6. Jail sentence of a parent for one year or more........................................................................... 76
7. Male partner in pregnancy out of wedlock.................................................................................. 76
8. Death of a brother or sister............................................................................................................. 71
9. Having a visible congenital deformity.......................................................................................... 70
10. Discovery of being an adopted child............................................................................................ 70
11. Becoming involved with drugs or alcohol................................................................................... 70
12. Change in acceptance with child's peers................................................................................... 68
13. Death of a close friend................................................................................................................... 65
14. Marriage of parent to stepparent................................................................................................... 63
15. Failure of a grade in school........................................................................................................... 62
16. Pregnancy of an unwed teenage sister...................................................................................... 60
17. Serious illness requiring hospitalization..................................................................................... 57
18. Beginning to date............................................................................................................................ 55
19. Suspension from school................................................................................................................ 54
20. Serious illness requiring hospitalization of a parent................................................................. 54
21. Move to a new school district......................................................................................................... 52
22. Jail sentence of a parent for 30 days or less.............................................................................. 50
23. Birth of a brother or sister............................................................................................................... 50
24. Failure to be accepted in an extracurricular activity he or she wanted.................................. 48
25. Loss of job by parent....................................................................................................................... 48
26. Increase in number of arguments between parents................................................................. 48
27. Breaking up with boyfriend or girlfriend...................................................................................... 47
28. Increase in number of arguments with parents......................................................................... 46
29. Beginning junior high school....................................................................................................... 45
30. Outstanding personal achievement............................................................................................. 45
31. Serious illness requiring hospitalization of brother or sister.................................................... 44
32. Change in father's occupation requiring increased absence................................................. 42
33. Change in parents financial status.............................................................................................. 40
34. Mother beginning to work.............................................................................................................. 36
35. Death of a grandparent.................................................................................................................. 35
36. Addition of a third adult to family.................................................................................................. 34
37. Brother or sister leaving home...................................................................................................... 33
38. Decrease in number of arguments between parents............................................................... 29
39. Decrease in number of arguments with parents....................................................................... 29
40. Becoming a full fledged member of a church/synagogue........................................................ ?
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AGE
LIFE EVENT
1. Getting married.............................................................................................................................. 100
2. Unwed pregnancy........................................................................................................................... 92
3. Death of a parent............................................................................................................................. 87
4. Acquiring a physical deformity...................................................................................................... 81
5. Divorce parents................................................................................................................................ 77
6. Male partner in pregnancy out of wedlock.................................................................................. 77
7. Becoming involved with drugs or alcohol................................................................................... 76
8. Jail sentence for parent for one year or more............................................................................. 75
9. Marital separation of parents......................................................................................................... 69
10. Death of a brother or sister............................................................................................................. 68
11. Change in acceptance with peers................................................................................................ 67
12. Pregnancy in unwed teenage sister............................................................................................ 64
13. Discovery of being an adopted child............................................................................................ 64
14. Marriage of parent to stepparent................................................................................................... 63
15. Death of a close friend................................................................................................................... 63
16. Having a visible congenital deformity.......................................................................................... 62
17. Serious illness requiring hospitalization..................................................................................... 58
18. Failure of a grade in school........................................................................................................... 56
19. Move to a new school district......................................................................................................... 56
20. Failure to be accepted in an extracurricular activity.................................................................. 55
21. Serious illness requiring hospitalization of a parent................................................................. 55
22. Jail sentence of a parent for 30 days or less.............................................................................. 53
23. Braking up with boyfriend or girlfriend........................................................................................ 53
24. Beginning to date............................................................................................................................ 51
25. Suspension from school................................................................................................................ 50
26. Birth of a brother or sister............................................................................................................... 47
27. Increase in number of arguments with parents......................................................................... 46
28. Increase in number of arguments between parents................................................................. 46
29. Loss of job by parent....................................................................................................................... 46
30. Outstanding personal achievement............................................................................................. 46
31. Change in parents financial status.............................................................................................. 45
32. Being accepted at a college of his/her choice............................................................................ 43
33. Beginning senior high school....................................................................................................... 42
34. Serious illness requiring hospitalization of brother/sister........................................................ 41
35. Change in father's occupation requiring increased absence................................................. 38
36. Brother or sister leaving home...................................................................................................... 37
37. Death of a grandparent.................................................................................................................. 36
38. Addition of third adult to family..................................................................................................... 34
39. Becoming a full fledged member of a church/synagogue...................................................... 31
40. Decrease in number of arguments with parents....................................................................... 28
41. Decrease in number of arguments with parents....................................................................... 26
42. Mother beginning to work.............................................................................................................. 26
LIFE EVENT ADULT AGE
LIFE EVENT
1. Death of a spouse......................................................................................................................... 100
2. Divorce............................................................................................................................................... 73
3. Marital separation............................................................................................................................ 65
4. Jail term............................................................................................................................................. 63
5. Death of a close family member................................................................................................... 63
6. Personal injury or illness................................................................................................................ 53
7. Marriage............................................................................................................................................. 50
8. Fired at work..................................................................................................................................... 47
9. Marital reconciliation....................................................................................................................... 45
10. Retirement........................................................................................................................................ 45
11. Change in health if a family member.......................................................................................... 44
12. Pregnancy........................................................................................................................................ 40
13. Sexual difficulties............................................................................................................................ 39
14. Gain of a new family member....................................................................................................... 39
15. Business readjustment.................................................................................................................. 39
16. Change in financial state............................................................................................................... 38
17. Death of a close friend................................................................................................................... 37
18. Change to a different line of work................................................................................................ 36
19. Change in number of arguments with spouse.......................................................................... 35
20. Acquiring a large mortgage/loan.................................................................................................. 31
21. Foreclosure of mortgage or loan................................................................................................... 30
22. Change in responsibilities at work............................................................................................... 29
23. Son or daughter leaving home..................................................................................................... 29
24. Trouble with the in-laws................................................................................................................. 29
25. Outstanding personal achievement............................................................................................. 28
26. Spouse begins or stops work........................................................................................................ 26
27. Begin or end school........................................................................................................................ 26
28. Change in living conditions.......................................................................................................... 25
29. Revision of personal habits........................................................................................................... 24
30. Trouble with the boss...................................................................................................................... 23
31. Change in work hours or conditions............................................................................................ 20
32. Change in residence/school......................................................................................................... 20
33. Change in recreation or church related activities...................................................................... 19
34. Change in social activities............................................................................................................ 18
35. Mortgage/loan less than $10,000................................................................................................. 17
36. Change in sleeping habits........................................................................................................... 16
37. Change in number of family get-togethers................................................................................. 15
38. Change in eating habits................................................................................................................. 15
39. Vacation............................................................................................................................................ 13
40. Christmas.......................................................................................................................................... 12
41. Minor law violation.......................................................................................................................... 11
FRAME OF BLAME/FRAME OF OUTCOME
Many times when you are counseling you find that in order to help the counselee you may need to shift the paradigm in which they are functioning in order for an answer to be found. This model which I learned from Dr. Steve Wagner pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas may be a helpful resource.
I. Frame of Blame
A. Why did this happen?
B. Why did this happen to me?
C. Whose fault is it?
II. Frame of Outcome
A. What have I learned from my present circumstance/situation?
B. What would I like to see happen?
C. What steps can I take to see my desire realized?
D. How am I going to get there?
E. What resources/help am I in need of?
F. Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening again?
You will find that even if the answers to the Frame of Blame questions could be answered (and there is no guarantee they can) the answers to these questions do not in and of themselves give any clue as to the biblical and practical resolution of the problem. When, however, you deal in the Frame of Outcome you help individuals assume responsibility and accountability to take responsibility for what they can do. The outcome frame allows you to help those individuals you counsel to develop a clear plan to aid in the resolution of their dilemma. I have found that diagramming the two frames helps individuals and couples see why they are having such difficulty and sufficiently shifts the paradigm so a solution can be found.
COMMON PASTORAL ISSUES
I. The Birth of a New Child
A. Visit in the hospital or in the home ASAP
B. See if there are any needs that the family has
C. Mobilize the group to see the needs are met
D. Activate the prayer chain in your group to undergird the family
E. Have the group offer a token of gratitude/congratulation (i. e. a fruit basket or flowers)
F. Stay in touch
G. Invite the couple to bring the new child to a group meeting or have the group come to their home and have a time of dedication where rejoicing in what God has done and beseeching him for the life of the child is the central focus.
II. A Member is Hospitalized
A. Remember the scriptural admonition to visit the sick
B. General guidelines
(1) Be optimistic
(2) Be informal, put people at ease
(3) Be sympathetic, sincerely interested in their agenda
(4) Be impartial
(5) Be calm. Do not display shock or disapproval
(6) Be polite
(7) Be discreet. Do not embarrass yourself, or them
(8) Be brief. Do not wear out your welcome
C. Going to the hospital
(1) Go through the proper channels to reach the patient
(2) Be courteous to hospital staff
(3) Plan to go during regular visiting hour
(4) If the hospital does not allow you to see the patient, do not argue. Visit
with the family.
D. At the bedside
(1) Be observant. Let the patient guide you
(2) Be careful with humor. It hurts to laugh if you have stitches
(3) Be a good listener. Let the patient talk
(4) Do not register surprise, shock, etc.
(5) Read scripture if appropriate and pray. Always ask permission
(6) Assure the patient of your prayers and those of the group
(7) Ask the patient or the family if they have any special needs. Work to see
that those needs are met
E. Some cautions
(1) Do not talk too much
(2) Don't stay too long
(3) Do not ask what is wrong (if the patient wants you to know they will tell
you)
(4) Don't argue with them
(5) Don't tell him/her they are going to die (if this message is to be given it's
the doctors job)
(6) Do not talk about someone you knew who had the same/similar disease
and all the details.
(7) Don't force the spiritual. God is a gentleman, you are his ambassador
III. A Death in the Group or the Group's Family
A. Stages experienced by the bereaved
(1) Shock
(2) Strong emotion
(3) Depression
(4) Fear
(5) Guilt
(6) Anger
(7) Apathy
(8) Adjustment
N.B. Don't be surprised to see any of the above. They are normal. Be alert to non-resolution of any stage.
B. Helping the bereaved
(1) Use your ears keep them open, listen
(2) Use the scripture
(3) Use your compassion respond to their feelings
(4) Look for signs that the bereaved is coming to terms with reality
are the bereaved able to accept the fact of death?
are the memories of the death gradually becoming positive and creative
rather than negative and destructive?
is the bereaved able to look to the future with a sense of hope?
(5) Stay in touch. Grieving people usually bottom out six to eight weeks after the funeral. After that time you should see a steady progression towards healthy resolution
(6) If after a few weeks the situation does not seem to be progressing you
may need to see this as an EGR dominant and help the family to find
either grief counseling or a grief recovery group
(7) Be sensitive to significant dates. The normal times the family would celebrate with the deceased, i.e. birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, etc. may prompt special feelings of grief for the first few years
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
Leadership Training
MODULE NINE
LEADING AN EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY/EDIFICATION TIME
I. Without Focus Nothing Significant Will Happen
Before beginning a small group it is important that you prayerfully determine the purpose of the group. Envision the desired end result. As you plan, that goal is structured into each session.
A. Each small group time should then be planned to move another step towards the goal
Make a list of the group goals and refer to it during all planning sessions
B. This does not mean we are totally task oriented
The social time is a vital part of reaching our goal because it leads to deeper bonding and trust. Plan your icebreaker in such away as it allows people to let down their guard. From time to time plan social/icebreaker activities away from the "church environment", i.e. have tea at your home, go out for lunch, have a picnic in the park etc. Look for opportunities to reach out to someone during that social time. Encourage group members to reach out to newcomers.
We need to put ourselves in the other person's shoes. If we are afraid to talk to a new person, just think how the new person feels coming into an established group.
II. Objectives and Purposes in the Small Group
A. Interpersonal relationships getting involved in each other's lives
(1) It is important to be known for who we are (acceptance). If we walk in the light . . . we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Sin is exposed when we walk in the light and we grow. As we confess our faults one to another in the loving caring atmosphere of the small group they can be dealt with.
John 1:7
(2) Emphasize loyalty within the group. This develops trust. People will not share if they hear you or someone else in the group make a judgment about someone else in the group. They will think you will do the same about them as soon as they leave.
(3) Let the people get to know you. Be a friend. Reveal your heart. People need to see your humanness and how you face your trials (role modeling).
Carry each other's burdens, and you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
B. Application of the Truth
Don't just listen to the Word, do what it says!
James 1:22
(1) Our goal is to get the teaching to drop the ten inches from the head to
the heart and then continue to drop to their feet so they walk in "paths of righteousness". We need to be able to ask questions of the group that are going to be that link and bring it home.
Examples: How does this teaching apply to you? What is God saying to you?
Do not be afraid to challenge people.
C. To Make Disciples
(1) Keep your focus clear. The emphasis on making disciples is crucial.
(2) You will probably counsel each person in your group at least once. If someone in the group is in need do not allow that person to dominate the group just because you see the need (see EGR notes)
(3) Others in the group will be left out if you allow one person's need to dominate. The well adjusted Christians in your group will lose interest if the group is need-centered versus disciple-making focused. If someone seems to be mature challenge them in ministry. Each of us has something to learn and give. Work to find that for each person. This will build consistency in the group.
(4) Do not think you have to find something wrong with everyone. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring things up at the time both the individual and the group are willing to deal with it. He best knows the right timing. A bruised reed he will not break, . . .
Isaiah 42:3
Sometimes a well intentioned correction can crush someone. Therefore do not assume the role of the Holy Spirit. If something comes up in someone in your group that you are concerned about, pray first. See if God is already dealing with it before you jump in.
D. To Train Others To Minister Healing Within The Group
(1) When it is time for prayer or ministry, get the group involved. Pray that God would speak through, and use each of them to minister to the person in need. (Review the principles of intercession and incorporate them into your ministry time, pages 40-45) By following these guidelines we are affirming their ability to hear God's voice which will build their confidence in hearing his voice for the bigger things in each of their lives.
III. Guided Group Discussion
A. Leading and Guiding Discussion
(1) You speak to them lecture
X
I I I I
(2) You ask specific questions and they answer
X
I I I I
(3) Everyone is interacting with one another. They know you are leading but they are relaxed. The goal is, not to let them know how much you know rather you want to know how much they know
X
I I
I
a. As a leader your role is a facilitator
b. Moments of silence are important. Silence allows time to reflect, think and hear God's voice
c. As a leader, you do not have to fill each moment of quietness
B. Conducting The Guided Discussion
(1) Begin by calling on the most talkative, and then bring others into the discussion
(2) Watch for those who would like to participate. Read faces
(3) Guide the discussion by switching from one person to another. Interject your viewpoint and experience occasionally
(4) See that everyone is involved in the discussion and has a chance to share
(5) Ask appropriate questions. They should be simple, clear and not subject to misinterpretation
(6) Provoke thought and test judgment. At first the group will look to you for the correct answers. Once they see there is not a "right answer" they will begin to share what they think
(7) Good questions
not merely a test of memory
never suggest the answer
avoid questions that can be answered "yes or no"
avoid questions that are choices between alternatives. It encourages people to guess rather than think
should keep in mind the goal of personal application
ask who? what? why? when?
are planned
are organized
(8) Be ready with general questions that help the discussion
Do the rest of you agree?
What do you think it means?
Can anyone think of any more ideas along this line?
What can we learn from this?
How does this apply to your daily life?
(9) Seek to find unity of understanding before you move on to the next question. If they are missing the point, keep probing.
(10) Reach conclusions. Help objectify the conclusions reached. Summarize major conclusions.
(11) Make application. Encourage members to make application at appropriate times during the discussion. Have them share how they have applied the learning from a previous sermon or group meeting.
(12) Evaluate and improve. Review the discussion the same day and make notes to improve or things to change next time
C. Questions and Answers Concerning Guided Discussion
(1) How would you correct a wrong viewpoint in a group?
a. allow the group to correct it. Ask probing questions to draw out the right conclusion
b. if the group is not successful you will have to teach the truth from the scripture and conclude
c. verbalize that it is possible for us to have differences of opinion and still love one another and grow together
(2) Why is it important for you as a leader to summarize their conclusions?
To bring to focus the principle or truth
(3) Why is it important not to share your viewpoint first? When should you share it?
a. it places the focus on the leader
b. it will discourage initiative
c. they need to arrive at conclusions without being told
d. self discovery is an important part of group growth
e. share at the end, but discreetly
(4) How do you draw out quiet people?
a. volunteer quiet ones by asking them questions. Be bold
b. recognize quiet people tend to be more well thought through and therefore have much to contribute if you can get them to share
c. talk to them privately and encourage them to share. Help them understand their quietness is cheating others of their wisdom and insight
d. make sure the group functions with a non judgmental attitude. Their quietness may be related to fear
(5) How do you quiet dominant members?
a. first admonish/correct in private
b. ask them to hold their thought and you will get back to them later
c. let a dominant player in on the game plan and ask them to work with you, i.e. let them know that in letting others contribute will help them grow
(6) How do you get the most out of a question?
a. have each one answer
b. take a direct lead, i.e. do you agree with this? or do any of you have an additional insight? or, are their other possible answers or options?
D. Avoiding Pitfalls. Things that hinder group discussions
(1) Success depends on the thorough preparation of the leader. Otherwise it becomes a pooling of ignorance. The leader must be clear ahead of time exactly what it is he/she is trying to accomplish
(2) No direction or guidance from the leader
(3) A few people dominating the group while the rest are silent
(4) Arguments that lead to expression of or harboring of bad attitudes. We need to learn to disagree while maintaining a proper attitude.
(5) Tendency of the leader to talk too much. The leader should summarize the conclusions of the group and allow the group to self correct any error
(6) Allowing the group to pursue unfruitful tangents. Bring your group back to the central focus
(7) Allowing individuals to theorize without application
E. Bible Study in Guided Discussion Form
(1) Select your topic
a. use biblical principle based topics
b. use topics that affect our lives, treated from a biblical perspective
c. make sure you have defined the objectives you are seeking to accomplish or the characteristics you are seeking to build into the lives of the people in your group. Tie your lesson plan to these carefully
.
Idea: Pastor Jim's sermons contain useful subjects that as a group leader you could utilize to great effect. Ask questions like, What do we need to learn to apply this truth in our lives? What are some practical things we can do to make this truth a reality in our experience?
d. Keep your discussion focused narrowly; one subject at a time. Do not try to cover too much. Stay within the allotted time frame.
(2) Prepare your questions carefully
Make sure they stimulate thinking, leading to a discussion. Begin with broad questions to get the discussion started, and then become more focused as you progress
A good guide for small group study material is The Small Group Curriculum Guide by Judy Hamlin
(3) Have adequate scriptural support so people will understand God's point of view
a. always use scripture in context
b. let scripture interpret scripture
c. advance preparation using resources will alleviate your fears and will help the entire discussion
Resources: Strong's, Crudens, or any other concordance. Vines Greek Word Studies, Haley's Bible Handbook, Naves Topical Bible.
d. do not get too intellectual. Our primary concern is application of the truth. Most Christians are already saturated with unapplied truth
(4) Reach a conclusion that leads to action.
a. what can I do this week? Allow people to set goals
b. what follow-up and action points should be reviewed at our next meeting?
c. how can we best support one another in the application of truth?
THE FINE ART OF SQUELCHING A SMALL GROUP
Taken from Groups Alive Church Alive by Clyde Reid
The ability to squelch the life out of a small group may be thought of as an art. Because of the strong interest in this new art, the following ground rules are offered to give directions and purpose to would-be squelchers who wish to develop their talents in this direction.
(1) Dominate the group from the beginning. Establish yourself as the authority on all matters that may come before the group. Make all the basic decisions yourself, while giving the impression of a democratic spirit to the group members.
(2) Pay no attention to the needs and interests of the group members. Most people do not know what is best for them any how.
(3) Keep the discussion on a theoretical plane, preferably in the realm of theology and philosophy. Mention names like Kent, Schleiermcher and Tillich occasionally to make others feel inferior.
(4) If possible, establish yourself as the teacher of the group, and deliver a learned lecture at each meeting. (Our rock-bound guarantee .. the group will not last more than three months this way or your money back)
(5) Do not permit the fiction to arise that group members should take turns leading the discussion. They are liable to get too deeply involved and interested, and keep the group alive in spite of your efforts.
(6) Never allow group members to share anything personal. Change the subject to a nice safe intellectual discussion when this happens. That way they will not get too involved with each other at a depth level. Groups in which this happens become devilishly hard to squelch.
(7) By all means, do not encourage all members of the group to express themselves. Limit the participation to the more vocal, intellectual members to keep the conversation on a high plane of sophistication. They will bore each other to sleep.
(8) Do not urge the silent members of the group to speak up. They might get the idea you really care about them and their ideas count after all. They will be more difficult to discourage as a result.
(9) Allow one or two persons to dominate the discussions. That way the others will become
quietly angry, and the group will fold up in no time. By all means, do not point out to the
dominators what they are doing. This might lead to some hurt feelings and personal growth things to be avoided at all costs in squelching a group.
(10) Keep the small group too large for the members to really get to know each other. By all means have at least twenty or twenty-five members in order to do this.
(11) Include a long business meeting with each group session, and bore everyone to tears. The group will rapidly wither.
(12) Arrange the seats like a classroom. Do not permit informality to sneak in by sitting in a friendly circle. In that situation group members might feel encouraged to express themselves and not want to give up the group.
(13) Answer all the questions yourself. Do not let the group members speak to each other or answer each other's questions. What do they know that you cannot say better?
(14) By all means do not let your group members express any hostility they may feel towards each other. You may find them understanding each other too well as a result, and the group will become tenacious of continuing.
(15) Complain every meeting about how few people have turned out. This will give group members a size consciousness and sense of guilt. They will either quit coming or they will invite their friends, and the small group will soon grow into oblivion; it will then become a large group.
NOTE: It is recommended every group leader express his own unique personality in using the above rules. There is a squelching method that is uniquely yours. You may have found ways to squelch a group that haven't even been thought of yet. But follow any one of these rules with dogged persistence, and you need not fear. You will have expressed yourself. The group will certainly collapse, for you will have violated a principle of human nature.
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
MODULE TEN
Personality Types and Small Group Life
Every person has a unique SHAPE. Part of that shape is their personality. Within the context of a small group you will find yourself not communicating clearly, or developing tension with certain individuals, simply because they have a different personality.
While there are many different tests that help us discover our personality type, one of the most descriptive is the Meyers-Briggs test.
In our material we have not given you a test but rather provide descriptive material regarding the personality types to help better understand the people you come in contact with.
From the following four pairs of two, sixteen distinct and different personality types emerge. While this chart is not an exhaustive test, and should not be used in a judgmental way, it is helpful in understanding ourselves, and to help us treat with dignity and respect those who are different from us.
This material was reprinted from the book Please Understand Me, pages 24-25.
E (75% of POPULATION) versus I (25% of POPULATION)
Sociability................................................................................................................................ Territoriality
Interaction.......................................................................................................................... Concentration
External.......................................................................................................................................... Internal
Breadth.............................................................................................................................................. Depth
Extensive..................................................................................................................................... Intensive
Multiplicity of Relationships.............................................................................. Limited Relationships
Expenditure of Energies............................................................................. Conservation of Energies
S (75% of POPULATION) versus N (25% of POPULATION)
Experiences................................................................................................................................ Hunches
Past................................................................................................................................................... Future
Realistic.................................................................................................................................. Speculative
Perspiration.............................................................................................................................. Inspiration
Actual............................................................................................................................................ Possible
Down-to-Earth......................................................................................................... Head-in-the-Clouds
Utility............................................................................................................................................... Fantasy
Fact................................................................................................................................................... Fiction
Practicality................................................................................................................................... Ingenuity
Sensible.................................................................................................................................. Imaginative
T (50% of POPULATION) versus F (50% of POPULATION)
Objective................................................................................................................................... Subjective
Principles........................................................................................................................................ Values
Policy..................................................................................................................................... Social Mores
Laws........................................................................................................... Extenuating Circumstances
Criterion........................................................................................................................................ Intimacy
Firmness................................................................................................................................. Persuasion
Impersonal................................................................................................................................... Personal
Justice.......................................................................................................................................... Humane
Categories................................................................................................................................... Harmony
Standards.............................................................................................................................. Good or Bad
Critique...................................................................................................................................... Appreciate
Analysis..................................................................................................................................... Sympathy
Allocation..................................................................................................................................... Devotion
J (50% of POPULATION) versus P (50% of POPULATION)
Settled........................................................................................................................................... Pending
Decided.................................................................................................................... Gather More Details
Fixed............................................................................................................................................... Flexible
Plan Ahead................................................................................................................... Adapt As You Go
Run One's Life............................................................................................................... Let Life Happen
Closure................................................................................................................................ Open Options
Decision-Making......................................................................................................... Treasure Hunting
Planned................................................................................................................................. Open Ended
Completed.................................................................................................................................. Emergent
Decisive....................................................................................................................................... Tentative
Wrap It Up......................................................................................................... Something Will Turn Up
Urgency.............................................................................................................. There is Plenty of Time
Deadline......................................................................................................................... What Deadline?
Get Show on the Road............................................................................................. Let's Wait and See
CHARACTERISTICS FREQUENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH EACH TYPE
| Sensing | Types | Intuitive | Types |
| ISTJSerious, quiet, earn success by concentration and thoroughness. Practical, orderly, matter-of-fact, logical, realistic and dependable. See to it that everything is well organized. Take responsibility. Make up their own minds as to what should be accomplished and work toward it steadily, regardless of protests or distractions. | ISFJQuiet, friendly, responsible and conscientious. Work devotedly to meet their obligations. Led stability to any project or group. Thorough, painstaking, accurate. May need time to master technical subjects, as their interests are usually not technical. Patient with detail and routine. Loyal, considerate, concerned with how other people feel. | INFJSucceed by perseverance, originality and desire to do whatever is needed or wanted. Put their best efforts into their work. Quietly forceful, conscientious, concerned for others. Respected for their firm principles. Likely to be honored and followed for their clear convictions as to how best to serve the common good. | INTJUsually have original minds and great drive for their own ideas and purposes. In fields that appeal to them, they have a fine power to organize a job and carry it through with or without help. Skeptical, critical, independent, determined, often stubborn. Must learn to yield less important points in order to win the most important. |
| ISTPCool onlookers quiet, reserved, observing and analyzing life with detached curiosity and unexpected flashes of original humor. Usually interested in impersonal principles, cause and effect, how and why mechanical things work. Exert themselves no more than they think necessary, because any waste of energy would be inefficient. | ISFPRetiring, quietly friendly, sensitive, kind, modest about their abilities. Shun disagreements, do not force their opinions or values on others. Usually do not care to lead but are often loyal followers. Often relaxed about getting things done, because they enjoy the present moment and do not want to spoil it by undue haste or exertion. | INFPFull of enthusiasms and loyalties, but seldom talk of these until they know you well. Care about learning, ideas, language, and independent projects of their own. Tend to undertake too much, then somehow get it done. Friendly, but often too absorbed in what they are doing to be sociable. Little concerned with possessions or physical surroundings. | INTPQuiet, reserved, impersonal. Enjoy especially theoretical or scientific subjects. Logical to the point of hair-splitting. Usually interested mainly in ideas, with little liking for parties or small talk. Tend to have sharply defined interests. Need careers where some strong interest can be used and useful. |
| ESTPMatter-of-fact, do not worry or hurry, enjoy whatever comes along. Tend to like mechanical things and sports, with friends on the side. May be a bit blunt or insensitive. Adaptable, tolerant, generally conservative in values. Dislike long explanations. Are best with real things that can be worked, handled, taken apart or put together. | ESFPOutgoing, easy going, accepting, friendly, enjoy everything and make things more fun for others by their enjoyment. Likes sports and making things. Know what is going on and join in eagerly. Find remembering facts easier than mastering theories. Are best in situations that need sound common sense and practical ability with people as well as with things. | ENFPWarmly enthusiastic, high-spirited, ingenious, imaginative. Able to do almost anything that interests them. Quick with a solution for any difficulty and ready to help anyone with a problem. Often rely on their ability to improvise instead of preparing in advance. Can usually find compelling reasons for whatever they want. | ENTPQuick, ingenious, good at many things. Stimulating company, alert and outspoken. May argue for fun on either side of a question. Resourceful in solving new and challenging problems, but may neglect routine assignments. Apt to turn to one new interest after another. Skillful in finding logical reasons for what they want. |
| ESTJPractical, realistic, matter-of-fact, with a natural head for business or mechanics. Not interested in subjects they see no use for, but can apply themselves when necessary. Likes to organize and run activities. May make good administrators, especially if they remember to consider other's feelings and points of view. | ESFJWarm-hearted, talkative, popular, conscientious, born cooperators, active committee members. Need harmony and may be good at creating it. Always doing something nice for someone. Works best with encouragement and praise. Little interest in abstract thinking or technical subjects. Main interest is in things that directly and visibly affect people's lives. | ENFJResponsive and responsible. Generally feel real concern for what others think or want, and try to handle things with due regard for other person's feelings. Can present a proposal or lead a group discussion with ease and tact. Sociable, popular, sympathetic. Responsive to praise and criticism. | ENTJHearty, frank, decisive, leaders in activities. Usually good in anything that requires reasoning and intelligent talk, such as public speaking. Are usually well-informed and enjoy adding to their fund of knowledge. May sometimes be more positive and confident than their experience in an area warrants. |
PERSONALITY PREFERENCES
Influences the Way You Assess Situations and the Way You Make Decisions. Four contrasting preferences:
EXTRAVERSION
Relates more easily to outer
world of people and things.
Sociable
Appears shallow to the introvert
Good for spontaneous speaking
e.g. Hospital visitation
Needs to restrain speaking
Likes verbal communication
Like corporate worship and
prayer
Refuels socially
CONCRETE THINKER
Would rather work with known
facts. Looks for concrete
tangible details. Sees the
trees!
Follows other people's vision
Here and now orientated.
Sees things as they are
Does thorough job
Reports details of situations.
Teacher of facts and
foundations
INTROVERSION
Relates more easily to inner
world of ideas. Privacy
Appears selfish and withdrawn
to the extrovert
Needs preparation before
speaking
Has difficulty sharing ideas
Likes written communication
Likes private worship and
prayer
Refuels alone
VISIONARY THINKER
Looks for new possibilities.
Looks for imaginative ideas.
Sees the forest!
Leads with vision
Future orientated. Sees things
as they can be made to be
Does quick job
Reports overall picture
Teacher of concepts and vision
LOGICAL TYPES
Bases decisions more on
impersonal analysis and logic
Concerned with logical order,
principles and justice
Emphasizes unity of
relationships
Are influenced by what other's
think
Are sensitive to needs of people
Needs to think through reasons
for feelings
DECISIVE TYPES
Likes a planned, orderly,
decided way of life. Organized!
Likes to get things settled and
finished
May decide things too quickly
Asks, Tell me WHAT needs
doing
PERSONABLE TYPES
Bases decisions more on
personal values
Concerned with people, mercy,
values, and harmony
Emphasizes unity of
relationships
Are influenced by what others
think
Are sensitive to needs of people
Needs to think through reasons
for feelings
FLEXIBLE TYPES
Likes a flexible, spontaneous
way of life. Hang-loose
Likes leaving things open for
alteration
May have trouble making
decisions
Asks, Tell me WHY it needs
doing
IMMATURITY is being a victim of your own personality type. Locked in.
MATURITY is choosing the appropriate response for each situation.
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
Leadership Training
MODULE ELEVEN
EVANGELISM IN THE CELL
I. How People Come To Christ and His Church
A. The biblical concept of the Oikos
Oikos is a Greek word that is often translated "household" in the New Testament. In English, "household" means the nuclear family. In Greek, however, its usage was much broader and included family, neighbors,
co-workers and friends.
Examples:
The demoniac was told to return to his household and described the great things done for him
Luke 8:39
Zaccheaus was told salvation had come to his household
Luke 19:9
The centurion's whole household was saved following the healing of his son
John 4:53
This records that Cornealius was a righteous man who feared God with all his household. When Peter arrived to preach the gospel, we see that Cornealius had a broader understanding of oikos than simply his relatives.
Acts 10:2
We see he had invited his relatives and close friends
Acts 10:24
Luke describes how Crispus, leader of the synagogue at Corinth, believed in the Lord with all his household
Acts 18:8
Paul baptized the household of Stephanus
1 Corinthians 1:16
In addition to these direct usages of the term oikos the principle is taught throughout scripture
Mark 2:14-15 describes how Jesus called Matthew, the tax collector; and the scripture records that soon after many other tax collectors were following Jesus and dining with him
Luke 7:37-8:3 records how the prostitute came to Jesus, and soon after many other "sinful women" were following Christ
Luke 15 In the three parables about a lost coin, a lost sheep, and a lost son, all tell of the rejoicing when the lost was found. In all three cases they told their friends and family. The message of hope was passed on through the oikos
John 1:40-41 tells of Andrew bringing his brother to Christ
John 1:44-45 tells of Phillip bringing his friend Nathaniel to Christ
In these and many other passages we can see how the natural webs of relationships, which comprised the oikos of the early Christians, became the primary means for the spread of the gospel
Micheal Green, in the book, Evangelism In the Early Church, observes the New Testament Church rigorously adhered to the oikos principle as its primary strategy for the Christian advance. The early Christians knew when the message of faith was heard and demonstrated by friends and family who were known, and trusted barriers to the gospel were removed, receptivity to the message increased tremendously
B. Oikos evangelism definition
Oikos evangelism is God's natural method for transmitting a supernatural message
C. The key to oikos penetration
integrity
life transformation
II. The Principle Today
A. How people come to Christ and the Church
In the past sixteen years I have asked over 30,000 Christians in over fifty denominations in a variety of countries this question: "What factor has had the greatest influence in your decision to become a Christian and become part of the church?" The answers have never wavered more than a point or two from the ranges shown.
SPECIAL NEED.............................................................................................. 1 to 3%
WALK IN............................................................................................................. 2 - 4%
PASTOR OR CHURCH STAFF...................................................................... 0 - 3%
VISITATION/TELEMARKETING.................................................................... ½ - 1%
SUNDAY SCHOOL/SMALL GROUP............................................................. 4 - 6%
EVANGELISTIC CRUSADE.......................................................................... ½ - 1%
CHURCH PROGRAMS................................................................................... 2 - 4%
FRIENDS AND/OR RELATIVES............................................................... 75 - 90%
It is interesting to note that these statistics were just as true in declining churches as well as growing congregations. The statistics explained growth but did not cause it. In growing congregations a greater percentage of Christian take seriously the reaching of their oikos.
It is also interesting to note that the statistics tell why people come, not where
or to what they come. When this factor is included a small group is either number one or two in every survey.
B. Oikos strategy
(1) The four worlds of church members
Biological World related to me by blood or marriage
Vocational World work associates
Geographical World immediate community, neighbors
Volitional World the world of my choice
(2) The average Christian has more than eight people in their oikos who are:
a. presently not Christians or active in any church, and
b. live within a reasonable driving distance of the church of that member
(3) New Christians have a few more contacts; older Christians a few less. Just for a moment consider our evangelistic potential; if we take our average attendance and multiply it by 8 we already have 24,000 people in this ministry area that are linked to people in our church by virtue of the fact that they are within our oikos. The Gallup organization, as well as George Barna, have documented that between 35-50% of people, if simply given an invitation by a Christian they knew, would attend a church service or small group activity. The issue has never been a lack of opportunity. Jesus was clear: the need is for laborers.
(4) Applying an oikos strategy
a. DDIS is it
death
difficulty
illness
situation change
b. the times of receptivity
the calendar
the Holmes Rahe scales (pages 138-142)
relationship. The stronger a relationship a Christian has with a non-Christian the greater the receptivity
III. Seven Steps in Oikos Evangelism
A. Identify the persons in your oikos
(1) Biological
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Vocational
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Geographical
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Volitional
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
B. Learn as much as possible about your oikos contacts
Knowing a person beyond simple biographical details is an essential part of effective disciple making. The more we know about their interests, hobbies, past experiences, etc. the more effective we will become
Franklin D. Roosevelt understood this principle and sought to become a personal friend of every dignitary he met. Before the foreign leader came to visit the president, he would study the person's hobbies, interests, achievements, and areas of personal concern. Through this information he was able to turn enemies into friends and allies of America. As a personal benefit he built relationships that lasted a lifetime.
C. Pray regularly and specifically for your oikos
- We have been commanded to pray
- It stops the work of the enemy
- It gives us wisdom in our witness
- It protects the seed of the gospel
- It changes my character
- It recognizes I am a co-laborer
D. Focus your efforts
- Different people are at different points of receptivity
- I have limited time
- God's prevenient grace is at work
- My relationships are a different stages
- God's Spirit will lead me to the most receptive
- Our church can best support our witness to specific individuals
E. Develop a disciple-making plan
- Caring: link great commission and the great commandment
- Strengthening of the relationship
- Involvement of other Christians
- Providing a variety of exposures to the gospel
Six to eight exposures are a base minimum in most cases
F. Work the disciple-making plan
- attentive listening
- relate to needs
- identify receptive moments
- appropriate timing
- sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
- use understandable language
- be patient
G. Incorporate them into the church/group
- disciples, not decisions, is the goal
- unincorporated converts rarely stick
- incorporation begins before conversion
IV. Four Evangelistic Tasks of Faith Community's Small Groups
A. To pray with regularity, and work consciously towards filling the empty chair
B. To hold two or three social activities annually as a group to which non-members/Christians can be invited
use the fifth week of the cycle
barbecue, game night, pool party, progressive dinner, etc
C. Participate in a church sponsored outreach activity at least once a year.
Each group leader should contact the church outreach pastor; discuss with him what kind of activity your group would like to do. He will then work with you regarding any logistic or training needs you may have related to the activity
D. Support, in prayer, one specific missionary sponsored by Faith Community Church
(1) Correspond directly with the missionary
(2) Bring prayer needs to the group
(3) Be their home based caring group when they are home on furlough
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Caring Ministries
Leadership Training
MODULE TWELVE
WORSHIP IN SMALL GROUPS
I. Defining the Objectives of Worship in a Group Setting
A. God is to be glorified
The Westminister Chatecism has summarized the purpose of humanity when it stated, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." This truth reechoes again and again in the scriptures as exhortations to worship, examples of worship, and suggestions for worship.
Psalm 34:3, 63:3, 69:30, 86:12 Daniel 4:34, 37
John 12:28, 13:31, 21:19 Romans 15:6, 9
Isaiah 66:5 Luke 1:46
B. Christ is given the preeminence
As Christ is in all of the scripture, the one who is the head, and whom the Father glorifies, so to we as his church are told to "lift him up." In a small group Christ is not a distant observer to the affairs of the meeting. He is the honored guest, the focal point of our gathering. He is in our midst to minister his grace in many different ways. In a certain respect we could say genuine worship is celebrating the preeminence of Christ in all things. When we understand who he is, what he has done, and what he can do, and lay our lives as a sacrifice at his feet, the reality of his presence fills our gathering.
Colossians 1:15-20 John 13:31, 17:1, 17:5
Ephesians 1:22 2 Thessalonians 1:10
Revelation 19:12 1 Peter 1:20
C. The Spirit has the freedom to minister
The ministry of the spirit of God is critical to any small group. The admonishment of the scripture is clear, quench not the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). There are a number of essential ministries of the Spirit without which groups of Christians could not flourish.
(1) He convicts us of our sin
John 16:8
(2) He guides us into truth
John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
(3) He reveals Christ to us
John 16:14
(4) He empowers us in ministry
(5) He dispenses and energizes our spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 12:7-12
(6) He protects us
Ephesians 6:17
(7) He enables our prayers
Ephesians 6:18; Romans 8:26-27
D. The believer is built up (edified)
The scriptural exhortation is that we are to make every effort to do what leads to edification.
Romans 14:19
From a practical standpoint we as leaders must remember every participant in our group is evaluating their participation on a very personal cost/benefit basis. If the time and energy they put into the life of the group exceeds the benefit for an extended period of time they will drop out. The scripture never intended our participation in group life should burn us out. It needs to build us up.
1 Corinthians 14:12
E. The unbeliever was drawn to Christ
Jesus stated if he were lifted up he would draw all people to himself. This statement, if we grasp it, means that if the unbelievers are being alienated, or driven away. It says nothing about the beauty of Christ, but is a commentary on our life together. Traditionally, most believers have had no problem seeing clearly the first four points made and give hearty assent to them. When we get to this last point, however, we justify the alienation of the unbeliever through the sanctification of our methodologies.
The most remarkable passage in the New Testament specifically relating to this issue is 1 Corinthians 14. Five times in this text Paul makes specific instructions to the church about the conduct of their gathering. These instructions are given because there are unbelievers present (verses 16, 22, 23, 24).
There are some simple observations that can be made out of the text that will be useful in our understanding.
(1) It is normal, and to be expected, that unbelievers will be present at gatherings of Christians
(2) Nothing that is done should drive them away from Christ, but everything should draw them to Christ
(3) The church/group of Christians should plan and conduct their gatherings with these understandings
(4) It seems the scripture indicates that it is possible to have, both believer edification, and unbeliever regeneration, if things are done properly
(5) To regularly evaluate what we are doing in light of how unbelievers are responding is a godly thing to do
(6) It is possible there will be allowable activities when only believers are present that will not be allowed when unbelievers are present
II. Practical guidelines for group worship
A. Length is not the determiner of quality
Ten to fifteen minutes of worship is adequate
B. Worship can take many forms
(1) Singing time
(2) Prayers of worship
(3) Testimonies
(4) Reading passages of scripture
(5) Celebrating communion
C. Your role as a leader is
(1) To provide the opportunity for people to touch God through worship
(2) To bring focus and direction
(3) To plan the worship time
D. Suggestions for a worship leader
(1) Plan worship like you would a Bible study
(2) Tie the focus theme of the meeting together
(3) Pay attention to the mood/atmosphere you desire to create
(4) Although you are a worshipper your primary function is to lead people in worship. In the planning of this meeting you should already have had the personal worship experience you are leading the people into
(5) Be sensitive to the Spirit's leading
(6) Do not expect God to show up; bring him with you
(7) Remain sensitive to the people God has brought to your group. The pre- planned agenda can change
(8) Look for others in the group who have skills in worship. Utilize their giftedness
These may be future leaders
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WORSHIP/PRAYER LEADER
Team Player
Discuss with those on the leadership team the projected theme. Get their input for the worship time.
Select Songs
Before the home fellowship meeting, choose two or three choruses or songs, and be responsible to coordinate needed music accompaniment. Tapes produced by Dan Burr can be used, either as a tool for worship leading and/or a regular or intermittant schedule
Make Proper Transition
During the home fellowship meeting, mingle with the participants to help make the transition from the ice breakers into a time of worship, usually through a verbal announcement (this might be different in each home fellowship depending on sequence of activities).
Introduce Newcomers
Have any new people introduced to the home fellowship. One option is to introduce the person who invited them to make the visitor introduction.
Lead Worship
Open the worship portion of the home fellowship, which will usually involve a time of song, prayer and brief testimony of praise.
Transition to Edification Time
Bring a sense of closure to the worship time but expectation for the edification/ministry time.